How to Tie a Traditional Winged Dry Fly - The Yellow May - with Davie McPhail

The Yellow mayfly is one of Britain’s rarest mayflies. The nymphs or larvae of this mayfly typically live in silt trapped amongst stones on the riverbed in pools and margins and grow to between 15 and 17mm. They are streamlined with seven pairs of thick feathery gills that are held outwards from their sides. The adults have three tails and large hindwings. The body is a dull yellowish-orange with a distinctive broad yellowish brown stripe along the back. The wings are yellow and the cross-veins are a dark reddish color.
The Yellow May is the basis for a variety of different patterns that are tied such as Hackled Mayfly or the Mosely May

All of the materials needed to tie this fly are available from Glasgow Angling Centre as listed below, but as always if you need any help finding materials or substitutes then we'll be happy to help. But now it's time to learn from Davie McPhail. Time to learn how to tie the traditional Winged Dry Fly known as the Yellow May.



Materials Used:
Hook: Fulling Mill Ultimate Dry Fly Sz14
Thread: Uni Thread 8/0 - Yellow
Tail: Veniard - Light Grey Cock (Fibres)
Rib: Uni French Oval, Gold/Small
Body: Uni Thread 8/0 - Yellow
Hackle: Indian Cock - Light Ginger
Wing: Starling
Additional materials: Additionally, Davie made use of some Varnish across the fly, using a dubbing needle for a more accurate application.

Davie's preferred type of whip finish tool can be found HERE!