WD-40

The Tailwater Standard

Few flies have earned the kind of quiet, widespread respect that the WD-40 commands. Developed on the South Platte River in Colorado, this sparse, precise midge emerger pattern has since found its way into fly boxes on tailwaters and spring creeks across the country — and for good reason. When trout are locked onto emerging midges and ignoring everything else, the WD-40 is often the answer.

What's in the Pattern

• Hook - Fulling Mill Heavy Barbless FM5067
• Sparse dubbed body — slim and translucent, matching the delicate profile of a natural midge pupa
• Mallard flank fiber tail and wing case — subtle movement and a realistic segmented silhouette
• Thread head — clean, minimal, and exactly what pressured fish expect
• Two colors — Black and Tan to cover a wide range of midge species and water conditions
• Hand-tied at Ty's Flies with precise proportions in every size

When Nothing Else Works

Fish it in the film as an emerger, just below the surface under a small indicator, or as a dropper off a dry fly. The WD-40 excels in clear, slow water where trout have time to inspect every detail — and its sparse, accurate profile passes the test. Available in sizes 16–20.

Sparse. Precise. Proven. Hand-tied at Ty's Flies.