March Brown
March Brown Flies
The March Brown hatch is one of the most anticipated spring mayfly hatches on trout rivers across North America. Both Western species (Rhithrogena) and Eastern species (Stenonema / Maccaffertium) produce large mayflies that bring trout to the surface during warm spring afternoons. These insects are commonly found on freestone rivers and riffled water where trout feed aggressively during the hatch.
March Browns typically appear from April through early June, depending on water temperatures and location. During the hatch, trout often feed on emerging nymphs first, followed by adult mayflies drifting on the surface.
Below you’ll find our selection of March Brown fly patterns, tied in proven styles and sizes for trout waters across the United States.
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Eastern March Brown - Mayfly Dry Fly
$0.89Original price $0.99Original price $0.99 - Original price $0.99Original price $0.99$0.89 - $0.89Current price $0.89The Eastern March Brown differs slightly from the Western version. This pattern here has a lighter body and gray wings. Rithrogena Germanica,Sten...
View full details$0.89Original price $0.99Original price $0.99 - Original price $0.99Original price $0.99$0.89 - $0.89Current price $0.89Save 10%Value must be grater than or equal to 1. -
Eastern March Brown Wet Fly
$1.09Original priceOriginal price $1.09 - Original price $1.09Original price$1.09 - $1.09Current price $1.09This pattern represents the Stenonema vicarium nymph. These are slow emergers and therefore a favorite of fly fishers. A very important spring pat...
View full details$1.09Original priceOriginal price $1.09 - Original price $1.09Original price$1.09 - $1.09Current price $1.09Value must be grater than or equal to 1. -
Eastern March Brown Nymph
$0.99Original priceOriginal price $0.99 - Original price $0.99Original price$0.99 - $0.99Current price $0.99This pattern represents the Stenonema vicarium nymph. These are slow emergers and therefore a favorite of fly fishers. A very important spring pat...
View full details$0.99Original priceOriginal price $0.99 - Original price $0.99Original price$0.99 - $0.99Current price $0.99Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
How to Fish March Brown Hatches
March Brown hatches are a classic spring event on rivers, with larger mayflies that often bring trout to the surface. Fish typically feed on nymphs and emergers before rising to adults.
- Start with nymphs before surface activity begins
- Fish emergers during the early stages of the hatch
- Switch to dry flies when trout are consistently rising
When March Brown Hatches Occur
March Brown hatches typically occur in spring and are influenced by water temperature and river conditions.
- Most common from March through May
- Often strongest in the afternoon during warmer weather
- Typically found on rivers with moderate to fast currents
Fly Selection Tips for March Brown
March Browns are larger mayflies, so size and profile matter more than with smaller hatches.
- Use larger dry flies (sizes 10–14) during active hatches
- Fish nymphs when trout are feeding below the surface
- Adjust presentation in faster water and riffles