Blue Wing Olive

Blue Wing Olive

The Blue Wing Olive, commonly known as a BWO, is one of the most important and productive mayfly patterns in fly fishing. Found in streams, rivers, and tailwaters across North America, Blue Winged Olives are a year-round food source that trout feed on with remarkable consistency.

Typically ranging from size #16 to #22, BWOs are small mayflies with olive to blue-gray bodies and delicate wings. While they can hatch throughout the year, the most significant emergences often occur during spring and fall, when trout frequently key in on them and feed aggressively at the surface.

Because BWO hatches can be extremely dense, trout often become selective and focus on natural-looking insects. This pattern provides the realistic profile and presentation needed to fool even wary fish during challenging hatch conditions.

Whether fished as a traditional dry fly during a hatch or as part of a strategic mayfly approach, the Blue Wing Olive remains a staple pattern for trout anglers everywhere.

Key Features
• Realistic Blue Wing Olive mayfly imitation
• Effective during spring, summer, and fall hatches
• Proven producer on rivers, streams, and tailwaters
• Excellent choice for selective trout
• Natural profile for technical fishing situations
• Essential fly box pattern

Imitates
Adult Blue Wing Olive (Baetis) mayflies.

Fishing Tips
• Fish clear, shallow water where trout are actively feeding.
• Use light tippet such as 6X or 7X.
• Present the fly naturally with a drag-free drift.
• Match the size of the naturals whenever possible.
• Be patient during heavy hatches when trout become selective.

Available Sizes
#12 - #22

Few patterns are as dependable as the Blue Wing Olive. Wherever trout feed on mayflies, a well-presented BWO belongs at the top of your fly selection.