The Mayfly (*Ephemera danica* and, less commonly, *Ephemera vulgata*) is the UK's most famous fly hatch. Unlike other upwing flies, UK anglers generally use the term "Mayfly" specifically to refer to these large *Ephemera* species. Usually appearing between late May and mid June, depending on location and weather, they produce one of the most anticipated events of the trout season. During the hatch, trout that have spent weeks feeding selectively can suddenly become bold and opportunistic, making this one of the most exciting times of year to fish a dry fly.
Mayfly nymphs spend up to two years living in burrows within the riverbed before emerging over a relatively short period. As they leave the bottom and swim towards the surface they become highly vulnerable, and trout often begin feeding on the ascending nymphs before a single adult is seen on the water. Anglers who wait until the hatch is obvious can sometimes miss the most productive part of the day.
Once on the surface, the newly emerged duns need time to dry their wings before taking flight. During this stage they are extremely vulnerable, and trout will often rise confidently to adults drifting naturally downstream. Later in the day, spent females return to lay their eggs before dying on the water. These spinner falls can produce exceptional evening fishing, with trout feeding steadily on exhausted insects trapped in the surface film.
The Mayfly hatch is about far more than simply tying on a large dry fly. Successful anglers match each stage of the hatch, beginning with nymphs, moving to emergers, then duns and finally spent adults as conditions dictate. This progression often continues over several weeks as the hatch develops across different rivers and sections of river.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, we think many anglers become too focused on adult Mayflies. While they certainly catch fish, some of our best days come fishing nymphs before the hatch gathers pace or emergers when trout are feeding just beneath the surface. As evening approaches, don't overlook the spent stage either, as it can often outfish every other pattern on the river.
## Recommended Fly Patterns
### Nymphs
* Peaks Fly Fishing Tungsten Mayfly Nymph
* Mayfly Nymph
### Emergers
* Peaks Fly Fishing Mayfly Emerger
### Duns
* Grey Wulff
* Hair Wing Mayfly
* Mayfly Dun
* Detached Body Mayfly
### Spent
* Spent Mayfly
## Peaks Fly Fishing Tips
* Don't wait until adults are everywhere before changing flies - trout often begin feeding on nymphs well beforehand.
* Carry patterns for every stage of the hatch, not just adult Mayflies.
* Expect the best fishing to vary from river to river depending on water temperature and local conditions.
* Watch carefully for trout taking emergers just beneath the surface film.
* Stay into the evening if possible - a heavy spent fall can produce some of the finest dry fly fishing of the entire season.
