Mrs Simpson (3)

The Mrs. Simpson Fly is a classic, time-tested dry fly pattern that is often used to imitate a caddis fly or a mayfly (depending on the variation), though it can sometimes be used to represent a range of aquatic insects. It is particularly effective for trout fishing, especially in the spring and early summer when caddis hatches are at their peak. The fly's subtle design and buoyant construction make it a great choice when fish are feeding on smaller, emerging insects near the water's surface.

Description:
- **Type**: Dry fly
- **Size**: Typically tied in sizes 12 to 16, though some variations are available in larger or smaller sizes, depending on the species you are targeting and the local insect population.
- **Color**: 
  - The **body** of the Mrs. Simpson Fly is generally a mix of **olive, brown, or gray** dubbing, often with a light or dark variation to match local caddis or mayfly hatches. The pattern is intended to be simple yet effective, mimicking the coloration of natural insects.
  - The **wings** are tied with **light-colored, upright hackle** or **feathers**, usually in shades of cream, off-white, or light gray, giving it the appearance of an insect with exposed wings ready to fly away.
  - The **hackle** is often sparse, using **soft, webby hackle** to provide buoyancy and create a realistic presentation on the water. This is key for the fly to sit properly on the surface.
  - The **tail** may consist of a few long fibers of natural or synthetic material, mimicking the delicate legs or tails of the natural insect.
 **Where to Use It**:
- **Species**: The Mrs. Simpson Fly is most commonly used to target **trout** species such as:
  - **Brown trout**
  - **Rainbow trout**
  - **Cutthroat trout**
  - **Brook trout**
  - **Grayling** (in some locations)

  It can also be used for **char** or **landlocked salmon**, particularly in colder, high-altitude streams.

- Locations:
  - **Rivers and Streams**: The fly is most effective in **freestone rivers**, **mountain streams**, and **tailwaters**, especially in areas where caddis flies are abundant. Fish that are feeding on emerging or hatching insects in riffles, runs, and pool edges can be drawn to the Mrs. Simpson Fly.
  - **Stillwater**: Although it's less common, the Mrs. Simpson Fly can also be effective in **lakes and ponds**, particularly near the shallows, in the early morning or evening when caddis or mayfly hatches occur. Fish in these areas may be rising to feed on insects near the surface.
  - **Water Type**: The fly works best in areas with **moderate to slow currents**, where fish can spot and feed on insects emerging from the water's surface.

- **Best Time**:
  - The **spring and early summer** months are the prime time for using the Mrs. Simpson Fly, especially when caddis hatches are in full swing. Caddis flies emerge and lay their eggs near the water's surface, and trout are quick to take advantage of the abundant food source.
  - It's also effective in the **evening and early morning**, when insects are more active, and fish are feeding just below the surface or on the surface itself.

 Fishing Techniques:
1. **Casting and Presentation**:
   - **Dead Drifting**: The Mrs. Simpson Fly is typically fished with a **dead drift** presentation. Cast it upstream or across-stream, allowing it to drift naturally with the current. The goal is for the fly to land on the water with little to no movement, mimicking a caddis or mayfly struggling to take flight or drifting helplessly on the surface.
   - **Casting Angles**: Cast at a **45-degree angle** to the current, letting the fly drift naturally downstream. Since caddis and mayflies emerge near the surface, casting above likely feeding fish allows you to place the fly in the right spot.
   - **Longer Drifts**: To give the fly time to float naturally and look more lifelike, try to make **long, smooth drifts**. Avoid jerky or erratic retrieves, which could spook the fish.

2. **Strike Detection**:
   - Since the Mrs. Simpson Fly is a dry fly, you’ll need to **watch the fly closely** for any signs of a strike. In many cases, the take will be subtle, so look for the fly to **twitch**, **pause**, or **sink** slightly as a fish takes it.
   - If the fish rises and you see a take, **set the hook** with a quick, firm motion. It's important to react promptly, as trout can be quick to reject a poorly timed hook set.
   
3. **Fishing During Caddis Hatches**:
   - During **caddis hatches**, you’ll often see fish rising sporadically to take advantage of the emerging insects. The Mrs. Simpson Fly works well when fish are feeding on **emerging caddis** or **egg-laying adults** that land on the surface.
   - In this situation, **match the hatch** by using the Mrs. Simpson Fly in the same size and color as the caddis you're observing in the water. Keep an eye on what insects are in the air and on the water to adjust the fly's size and pattern.
   
4. **Targeting Rises**:
   - When fish are rising, **cast the fly to their rises** and allow the fly to drift through the area where you believe the fish is feeding. If fish are feeding more aggressively, you may need to cast to areas with **multiple rises** and drift your fly through the window of action.

5. **Casting in Riffles and Runs**:
   - Caddis flies often emerge in **riffles** and **runs**, so these areas are prime targets for the Mrs. Simpson Fly. Focus on spots where the water is shallower, and fish may be waiting to take emerging insects. These are areas where trout feed just below the surface or at the surface, so a well-placed cast with a natural drift is key.
   
6. **Wind and Drifting**:
   - If you’re fishing in **windy conditions**, the Mrs. Simpson Fly can be difficult to keep on the surface. In these situations, use a **heavier line** or **floatant** to keep the fly buoyant. Alternatively, casting into the wind at a slight angle can help the fly land in the right spot.

7. **Emerger Techniques**:
   - If you suspect that the fish are feeding on insects just below the surface (such as during an emerger stage), you can fish the fly with a **slightly faster drift** or **twitch it slightly**. This can make the fly appear as though it’s a struggling insect about to take flight, which can trigger a response from the Conclusion:
The Mrs. Simpson Fly is a versatile and effective dry fly pattern, particularly during caddis hatches. Its buoyant construction and simple yet realistic design make it an excellent choice for fishing in rivers, streams, and stillwater areas where caddis or mayflies are hatching. By fishing with a natural drift, paying attention to the rise forms, and matching the size and color of the hatch, the Mrs. Simpson Fly can be an outstanding fly for targeting trout and other species that feed on surface-dwelling insects. Whether you're casting in fast riffles or targeting fish rising to take adult caddis, the Mrs. Simpson Fly remains a go-to pattern for many anglers.

Also available: 

https://silvereyeflies.com/products/mrs-simpson-custom-tied-dozen