Drake, Brown

The Brown Drake dry fly imitates Ephemera simulans, a large, dark-bodied mayfly found in late spring and early summer, often hatching in the evening. Its mottled wings and brownish body closely match this big mayfly’s appearance and behavior on the water.

History:
A staple in Eastern and Midwestern hatch-matching, the Brown Drake dry fly emerged as anglers began targeting prolific hatches on rivers like the Au Sable and Delaware. It's typically tied in sizes 10–12 and fished around dusk, when spinner falls often produce aggressive surface activity.