How to Tie the Trico Spinner: Step By Step Guide

Fly Tying

Feb 19

The Trico Spinner is a must-have pattern for late-season mayfly hatches, perfectly imitating the tiny Tricorythodes spinners that trout key in on from August through the first frosts of fall

Material List:

Hook: Daiichi 1310, size 22 (or 24)
Thread: Black Veevus 16/0
Tail: Light dun mayfly tail fibers
Wings: White polypropylene yarn
Body: Black Superfine dry fly dubbing

Step 1: Secure the Hook and Thread

Place a Daiichi 1310 size 22 hook in the vise (a size 24 also works). Start your thread—black Veevus 16/0—and wrap it down the shank. Trim the excess thread and create a small bump near the bend to help splay the tails.

Step 2: Add the Mayfly Tails

Select three light dun mayfly tail fibers (or four for durability). Measure the tails slightly longer than the hook shank. Tie them in at the rear, keeping them directly on top of the hook. Use thread tension and a slight bump to splay them naturally. Trim excess tail fibers.

Step 3: Attach the Wings

Cut a small clump of white polypropylene yarn (not too much for this tiny fly). Position it on top of the hook and secure it with figure-eight wraps. Trim the wing to about 1.5 times the hook gap.

Step 4: Build the Body

Use black Superfine dry fly dubbing, applying a very thin layer to the thread. Wrap a slim, even body up to the wings. If wing fibers get caught, carefully free or trim them as needed.

Step 5: Finish the Fly

Add a small amount of extra dubbing to build a slight thorax. Whip finish behind the eye, ensuring not to crowd it. Trim any stray fibers and admire your Trico Spinner!

Fly Tying