BWO or Baetis
Blue Wing Olive hatches are one of the most consistent and important mayfly hatches for trout, especially in spring and fall.
Best Flies for the Blue Wing Olive (BWO) Hatch
Best time: Overcast days, late morning to afternoon
Season: Spring and fall (can occur year-round)
Water: Slow to moderate currents, tailwaters, spring creeks
Trout behavior: Selective feeding on small mayflies and emergers
Match your fly to trout behavior—dry flies for surface feeding, emergers for selective fish, and nymphs when trout are feeding below.
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Little Green Machine - Tungsten
$1.01Original price $1.12Original price $1.12 - Original price $1.12Original price $1.12$1.01 - $1.01Current price $1.01Extremely effective and popular mayfly nymph imitation. Particularly effective in the late season baetis hatches. Tied in the sizes that seem to...
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Little Olive - Tungsten
$1.21Original price $1.34Original price $1.34 - Original price $1.34Original price $1.34$1.21 - $1.21Current price $1.21The Little Olive is a modern twist on the iconic pheasant tail. Tiny silicone legs are used for the wingcase, legs, and tail for added longevity w...
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Lil Amigo - RIO
$2.93Original price $3.25Original price $3.25 - Original price $3.25Original price $3.25$2.93 - $2.93Current price $2.93Part of being an exceptional fly creator means designing flies that are meant for you and your fly box only. That's precisely how RIO's signature t...
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Blue Wing Olive (BWO) hatches often bring out selective trout, especially on pressured rivers and tailwaters. Matching size, profile, and presentation is usually the difference between refusals and eats. Most BWO fishing happens in sizes 16–20, with emergers outfishing dries when trout are feeding subtly in the film. Target softer seams, eddies, and slower edges during active hatches.
BWO hatches peak in spring and fall and are strongest during overcast or rainy weather. These mayflies can hatch multiple times a year and often produce longer, more consistent windows than other mayflies.
Trout key in on specific stages of the insect, so adjust your flies as their behavior shifts. Use dries when fish are rising confidently, switch to RS2s or emergers during subtle sips, and downsize if fish are refusing your presentation.