Sparkle Dun – PMD Cream/Yellow
John Juracek and I started tying the Sparkle Dun in the early 1980’s as a Pale Morning Dun imitation for the selective trout on the Henry’s Fork. The PMD emergences on this river are legendary, and to consistently fool the big rainbows we needed a better fly than was available at that time. We wanted a fly that was more durable and longer floating than the popular no-hackle pattern, and was a better imitation of an emerger/impaired-stillborn dun than the Comparadun style. After a bit of trial and error, we and our fly tiers at Blue Ribbon Flies came up with the Sparkle Dun, a simple but clean combination of zelon, deer hair, and dubbing that gave the fly the silhouette and floating qualities we wanted. We soon discovered the new fly worked remarkably well. The Henry’s Fork trout responded strongly to this pattern.
Key Features
| Component | Material |
|---|---|
| Zelon | Primary body material |
| Deer Hair | For natural texture and movement |
| Dubbing | For color and softness |
FAQ
What makes the Sparkle Dun different from other PMD patterns?
The Sparkle Dun uses a combination of zelon, deer hair, and dubbing to create a more durable and longer-floating fly that better imitates an emerger or impaired-stillborn dun compared to traditional no-hackle or Comparadun styles.
Is the Sparkle Dun suitable for cold or fast-moving waters?
Yes, the Sparkle Dun’s design provides good floating characteristics, making it effective in a range of water conditions, including fast-moving streams where trout are selective.
Can this fly be used for other trout streams besides the Henry’s Fork?
Please contact customer service
Mary Paige –
I’ve used the Sparkle Dun on several trout streams and it consistently draws strikes. The floating action is natural and the color matches the PMD emerger well. It’s durable and holds up well in the current.
William Clark –
This fly works great in the morning when trout are active. The deer hair gives it a realistic look and it floats longer than other patterns I’ve tried.
Tim MacLeod –
After trying several PMD imitations, the Sparkle Dun stands out. It’s simple to tie and performs well in both still and moving water. A reliable choice for selective trout.