March Brown Emerger is a popular fly pattern used by anglers to imitate the emerging stage of March Brown mayflies. This type of Emerge is primarily tied in a parachute style, which makes it float high on the water surface and provides excellent visibility for both fish and anglers.

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to tie March Brown Emerger fly and provide tips on how to effectively fish with it. You can use this fly pattern during the March Brown hatch, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer. So, let’s get started!

What is March Brown Emerger?

March Brown Emerger is a type of artificial fly that is designed to imitate the emerging stage of March Brown mayflies. Mayflies are aquatic insects that undergo a complete metamorphosis, which means they go through several distinct stages in their life cycle – egg, nymph, merger, and adult.

During the emergent stage, the mayfly nymphs rise to the water surface, shed their nymphal skin, and transform into adult flies. This process usually occurs in the morning or late afternoon, which makes it an ideal time for anglers to use the March Brown Emerger fly.

Tools and Materials You Will Need to Tie March Brown Emerger

1. Hook (size 12-14)
2. Thread (color: brown or olive)
3. Dubbing (color: rusty brown or olive)
4. Hackle feathers (color: grizzly or brown)
5. Turkey flats (color: light dun)
6. Scissors
7. Bobbin holder

Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Tie March Brown Emerger

Step 1: Attach the Thread to the Hook

Start by attaching your thread to the hook, about a quarter of an inch behind the eye. Make sure to secure the thread with tight wraps and cut off any excess. This will provide a strong base for the rest of the materials. If needed, you can add a drop of head cement to the thread for extra strength. Make sure to let it dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Tie in Turkey Flats

Take a small section of turkey flat feather and align it with the hook shank. The tip of the feather should extend just past the hook bend. Then, secure it with tight wraps of thread. Make sure to trim off any excess feathers. If you prefer a higher floating fly, you can double up the turkey flats. This will create more buoyancy on the water surface.

Step 3: Add Dubbing

Take a pinch of dubbing and twist it onto the thread. Then, wrap the thread forward to create a tapered body. Make sure to leave some space behind the eye for the hackle feathers. Adding dubbing will create a more realistic and natural look to the fly. This is because it imitates the nymphal shuck of the mayflies as they emerge.

Step 4: Tie in Hackle Feathers

Take one or two grizzly or brown hackle feathers (depending on your preference) and tie them in behind the eye. Make sure to leave some space between each wrap. This will create a more buggy appearance, which can be very attractive to fish. When tying in the hackle feathers, make sure that the dull side of the feather faces forward.

Step 5: Create a Parachute Post

Using your fingers or hackle pliers, create a small loop with the hackle feathers and hold it upright. Take your thread and wrap it around the base of the post to secure it in place. This will create the parachute post, which will keep your fly afloat on the water’s surface. Creating a loop with the hackle feathers will also give your fly more movement and make it look more appealing to fish.

Step 6: Wrap the Hackle Feathers

Take the thread and wrap it around the base of the post, securing it in place. Then, take your hackle pliers and begin wrapping the feather around the post. Make sure to use tight wraps and evenly space them out. Once you reach the base of the post, secure the feather with a few tight wraps of thread. While wrapping the hackle feather, make sure to stroke the fibers back with your fingers to create a neat and organized look.

Step 7: Trim the Hackle Feather

Using your scissors, trim off any excess hackle feathers at the base of the post. Make sure to leave a small section of fibers for more movement and a realistic appearance. If you prefer a more sparse fly, you can trim off most of the fibers at the base. While trimming, make sure to be careful not to cut the post or thread.

Step 8: Finish and Secure

Finally, take your thread and wrap it around the base of the post a few times. Then, tie off the thread with a whip finish or double half-hitch knot. Trim off any excess thread and add a drop of head cement for extra security. This will ensure that your fly stays intact and durable during fishing. Make sure to let the head cement dry before using your fly.

Following these simple steps, you can tie your own March Brown Emerger fly and use it during the hatch to catch some fish. This fly pattern is also versatile, and you can experiment with different colors and sizes to imitate other mayfly species. Remember to always carry a few variations of this fly in your fly box for a successful day of fishing!

Additional Tips and Tricks to Tie March Brown Emerger

1. If you are using different materials for your March Brown Emerger, make sure they are similar in color and texture to the natural insect. This will increase the chances of fooling the fish into thinking it is the real thing.
2. Experiment with different sizes of hooks and bead heads when tying your March Brown Emerger. Some days, a smaller size may be more effective while on other days, a larger size may be preferred.
3. Vary the length of your tippet when fishing with this fly. The March Brown Emerger can imitate both an emerging and adult insect, so adjusting the depth at which it is presented can make all the difference.
4. Don’t be afraid to add additional weight such as split shot or tungsten beads to your leader when fishing with a March Brown Emerger. This can help the fly sink to the desired level and mimic a struggling insect.
5. Use different types of retrieves when fishing with this fly. The March Brown Emerger can be fished both actively and passively, so experiment with slow strips, quick twitches, and dead drifts to see what works best.
6. When tying your March Brown Emerger, try incorporating a trailing shuck to imitate the insect’s exoskeleton as it emerges from the water. This can add an extra layer of realism to your fly.
7. Use different colors of thread when tying your March Brown Emerger to create unique variations that may entice more strikes from fish.
8. Consider using a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader when fishing with this fly to create a more natural drift and presentation.
9. When the water is choppy or rough, try tying on a larger March Brown Emerger to create more disturbance on the surface and attract fish.
10. If you are having trouble getting fish to take your March Brown Emerger, try adding a small amount of floating to the fly to help keep it afloat and imitate an adult insect riding on the surface.

Following these tips and tricks can greatly enhance your success when tying and fishing with a March Brown Emerger. Remember to always pay attention to the natural behavior of the insects on the water, and adapt your techniques accordingly. Happy fishing! 

7 Best Techniques for Fishing With the March Brown Emerger

1. Choose the Right Gear:

Choosing the right gear is essential for successfully fishing with a March Brown Emerger. This fly pattern imitates an emerging mayfly, so it’s important to have a rod and line that can handle delicate presentations. A 9-10 foot 4 or 5 weight rod paired with a floating line is ideal for this technique. You’ll also want to make sure your leader and tippet are fine and long enough to allow for a natural drift.

2. Use a Downstream Presentation:

When fishing with a March Brown Emerger, it’s important to present the fly downstream of your target area. This allows the fly to drift naturally towards the fish, imitating the movement of an emerging mayfly. Keep a low profile and use a gentle cast to avoid spooking the fish. Using a downstream presentation also allows for better control and manipulation of the fly.

3. Utilize a Dry-Dropper Rig:

A dry-dropper rig is a great option when fishing with a March Brown Emerger. This setup consists of attaching a small, buoyant dry fly above the emerger pattern to act as an indicator. The dry fly will float on the surface and indicate when a fish takes the emerger below. This technique allows for better visibility and increases your chances of hooking a fish.

4. Vary Your Retrieve:

Mayflies emerge from the water in various ways, so it’s important to vary your retrieve when using a March Brown Emerger. Experiment with different speeds and pauses to imitate the natural movement of an emerging mayfly. A twitchy, erratic retrieve can also be effective in enticing fish to strike.

5. Keep an Eye on the Water:

Observing the water for any signs of activity can greatly improve your chances of success when fishing with a March Brown Emerger. Look for rising fish, swallows feeding on the surface, or any other signs of mayfly activity. These are all indicators that fish are feeding on emerging mayflies and can help you determine where to cast your fly.

6. Pay Attention to Depth:

Mayflies often emerge in shallow water, so it’s important to pay attention to the depth at which you are fishing with a March Brown Emerger. Adjust your leader length accordingly and make sure your fly is drifting at the right depth. You can also add a split shot to your leader to help get your fly down deeper.

7. Practice Your Presentation:

Successfully fishing with a March Brown Emerger takes practice and patience. Experiment with different casting techniques, retrieves, and presentations to see what works best for you in different water conditions. It’s important to remain observant and adaptive while on the water to increase your chances of catching fish.

Following these techniques will greatly improve your success when fishing with a March Brown Emerger. Remember to always choose the right gear, vary your presentation, and pay attention to the water and fish behavior. With practice, you’ll be catching fish on this effective fly pattern in no time! Happy fishing!

Troubleshooting Common Challenges for Dealing With March Brown Emerger

1. Snags and Tangles:

One of the most frustrating challenges when using a March Brown Emerger is dealing with snags and tangles. These can occur when casting, retrieving, or even just drifting the fly in the water. To avoid this issue, make sure to properly rig your fly line and leader before fishing. Check for any knots, twists, or tangled sections, and fix them before starting. Additionally, be mindful of your casting technique and avoid trying to cast too far beyond your skill level.

If you do encounter a snag or tangle while fishing, try to remain calm and avoid pulling on the line aggressively. This can often make the situation worse. Instead, gently pull on the line from different angles to see if you can work the snag or tangle loose. If all else fails, carefully cut the line and re-rig your fly before continuing.

2. Difficulty Setting the Hook:

Another common challenge when using a March Brown Emerger is difficulty setting the hook on a fish. This may be due to several factors, such as an improperly set hook or a dull hook.

To ensure that your hook is properly set, make sure to use a sharp hook and check it before each cast. You can also try using a short, quick strip after the fish takes the fly to help set the hook deeper in its mouth. Additionally, avoid setting the hook too hard as this can cause the fish to spit out the fly.

3. Fish Ignoring the Fly:

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, fish may still ignore our March Brown Emerger. This can be frustrating and leave us wondering what we’re doing wrong. In these situations, it’s important to remember that fish can be picky and may only be interested in a specific type of food or presentation.

To increase your chances of success, try changing up the size, color, or pattern of your fly. You can also experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques. Additionally, pay attention to the behavior of the fish and adjust accordingly. If they seem to be feeding near the surface, try fishing your Emerger just below the water’s surface. If they are actively chasing insects, try using a more aggressive retrieval method.

Following these troubleshooting tips can help you overcome some common challenges when using a March Brown Emerger. Remember to always stay patient, observe the fish and their behavior, and be willing to try different techniques. With practice and perseverance, you’ll soon find success with this effective fly pattern. Happy fishing!  

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Advantages of Using a March Brown Emerger?

One advantage of using a March Brown Emergen is that it closely resembles the natural insect, increasing the chances of catching fish. It also allows for a more precise and delicate presentation of the water, making it an effective choice when fish are being selective. Additionally, as a versatile fly, it can be used in both slow-moving and fast-moving streams, as well as in water.

How Do You Fish a March Brown Emerger?

A March Brown Emerger can be fished using a variety of techniques depending on the current conditions. One common method is to fish it as a dry fly by casting it upstream and allowing it to drift naturally with the current. It can also be used as a wet fly by adding a small amount of weight to the leader and giving it a slight twitch or retrieve to imitate an emerging insect.

What Types of Fish Can Be Caught Using a March Brown Emerger?

A March Brown Emerge can be used to catch a variety of fish species, including trout, grayling, and even panfish. It is most commonly used in rivers and streams, but can also be effective in lakes and ponds. Its effectiveness is not limited to just one type of water or fish, making it a highly versatile fly for anglers.

How Do I Choose the Right Size and Color of March Brown Emerger?

The size and color of a March Brown Emerge should be chosen based on the local mayfly species and fishing conditions. Generally, sizes 12-16 work well for most hatch situations. The color can vary from light tan to dark brown, depending on the specific species being imitated. It is helpful to do some research on the mayflies in your area and observe the natural insects on the water to determine the best size and color combination.

Conclusion

All in all, knowing how to tie March brown emerger fly is a great addition to any angler’s repertoire. It can be an effective fly for early spring fishing but also has the potential to catch fish all year round in various conditions. Its versatility and ability to imitate natural insects make it a go-to pattern for many experienced anglers.

So next time you’re on the water, give a March Brown Emerger a try and see what it can bring to your fishing experience.  So, the next time you hit the water, make sure to have a few March Brown Emerger flies in your fly box for a successful day on the river.  Happy fishing!