Mayfly, Black

The Black Mayfly dry imitates small, dark-colored mayflies, especially early-season Baetis species or even Leptophlebia in lakes and ponds. The black body offers contrast and visibility in dim light.

History:
Black-bodied mayflies appear in both still and moving water, and this pattern likely evolved from more generalized dark dry flies. It’s often tied small (sizes 18–22) and used in early spring, late fall, or during overcast hatches.