The Yellow May Dun is one of the UK's most important summer upwing flies. Although overshadowed by the famous Mayfly hatch, it provides consistent sport throughout June and July and is a regular feature on both chalkstreams and freestone rivers. For many anglers, it signals the transition from the spectacular spring hatches into the more subtle but often equally productive fishing of high summer.
Yellow May Dun nymphs live amongst gravel, stones and aquatic vegetation before swimming towards the surface to emerge. Like many olive species, they are active swimmers and trout will readily intercept them as they ascend through the water column. Fish may begin feeding subsurface long before the first adults are noticed drifting downstream.
The hatch often develops during the warmest part of the day, although overcast conditions can prolong activity well into the afternoon. Freshly emerged duns drift on the surface while their wings dry before taking flight, providing trout with an easy meal.
Yellow May Duns are elegant insects with pale yellow-olive bodies and upright grey wings. Although relatively small compared to the Mayfly, they are easily recognised by observant anglers. Trout feeding on them are often less aggressive than during the Mayfly hatch, making delicate presentations and fine leaders particularly important.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, we regard the Yellow May Dun as one of the most reliable hatches of early summer. It may not attract the same attention as the Mayfly, but it regularly produces steady dry fly fishing on rivers throughout the UK. When trout begin rising confidently during June and July, a Yellow May Dun imitation is always one of the first flies we consider.
## Recommended Fly Patterns
### Nymphs
* Hare's Ear Nymph
### Emergers
* Yellow May Klinkhammer
* Deer Hair Emerger
### Duns
* Yellow May Dun
## Peaks Fly Fishing Tips
* Look for hatches during the warmest part of the day.
* Fish nymphs before changing to emergers and then duns as the hatch develops.
* Fine leaders and drag-free drifts are often the key to success.
* Watch for subtle rises, as trout feeding on Yellow May Duns are often less aggressive than during the Mayfly hatch.
* Yellow May Duns are one of the most dependable summer hatches, so always carry a selection of imitations throughout June and July.
