BRTU dry fly pattern - GT Western March Brown by Greg Chester

Fly of the Month

GT Western March Brown

(Rhrithrogena)

 by Greg Chester

Spring time on the Bitterroot is always an exciting time of the year. We start with the long awaited Skwala activity after winter and then are treated to Baetis, March Browns and Gray Drakes as spring sets in.  We’re fortunate in the Bitterroot to have such a diverse bug population and even more privileged to have such terrific hatches to fill the gap between Skwala’s and the summer bugs.


This unique pattern has worked well for me over the years and effectively imitates any mayfly adult by simply changing color and size. It’s tied in the style of Rich Christian’s GT Dun series that replicates both adult and emergent stages. This is made possible with the Gamakatsu C12U curved shank hook and unique tail placement. When fishing this bug keep floatant off of the abdomen and shuck – this is important to insure the emergent stage is replicated properly.

Good tying and good fishing!

• Hook:        Gamakatsu C12U caddis hook, size 10 - 14
• Thread:    6/0 Tan Unithread
• Shuck:    Brown Zelon
• Abdomen:    Tan goose or turkey biot
• Tails:        Tan Microfibetts, split
• Wing:        White polypropylene yarn, parachute style
• Thorax:    Tan superfine dubbing
• Hackle:    Brown
• Head:        Tying thread