The Origins and History

The Blue Wing Olive (BWO) fly is a classic and venerable pattern in the world of fly fishing, its roots stretching back into the annals of angling history. Although the exact origin is shrouded in the mists of time, what is known is that the BWO belongs to a broader class of flies known as “mayflies,” which have been imitated for centuries in Europe and North America.

The term “Blue Wing Olive” generally refers to several species of small mayflies in the Baetidae family, with the characteristic olive body and blue-gray wings. The pattern was developed to mimic these insects at a crucial stage in their lifecycle when they are particularly vulnerable to trout: the emergence from nymph to adult, and the adult dun stage.

The Evolution of the BWO

Over the years, the Blue Wing Olive has evolved from simple, generic patterns to more intricate designs that incorporate a variety of materials and tying techniques. With the advancement in entomology, fly tiers have tailored the BWO to more closely resemble specific species, taking into account regional variations and the particular preferences of local fish populations.

Best Uses of the Blue Wing Olive Fly

Timing and Conditions

The BWO is a cool-weather fly, with hatches typically occurring in the spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler. Overcast and rainy days are often the best times to use these flies, as such conditions can trigger hatches and make the trout more likely to feed on the surface.

Fly Fishing Techniques

  1. Dry Fly Fishing: Perhaps the most popular method, using a dry BWO pattern is effective when mayflies are actively emerging or when adults are on the water laying eggs.
  2. Nymphing: Before the hatch, BWO nymph patterns can be incredibly successful. These are fished below the surface, ideally near the bottom of the stream where the natural nymphs live.
  3. Emerger Patterns: These are designed to imitate the insect as it transitions from nymph to adult. Fishing an emerger just under the surface can be a deadly technique during a hatch.

Geographic Versatility

While the Blue Wing Olive is a staple in North American fly fishing, it is equally effective in other parts of the world where similar species of mayflies are found. This pattern has been adapted and used with success in Europe, New Zealand, and wherever trout feed on small olive-bodied mayflies.

Conclusion

The Blue Wing Olive fly is a testament to the intricacy and beauty of fly fishing. This little fly, in all its variations, is more than just a lure; it’s a connection to the history of the sport, an embodiment of the fly fisher’s art, and a proven tool for success on the water. Whether you’re a novice casting your first line or an experienced angler mending your thousandth cast, the BWO deserves a place in your fly box.

Fishing a Blue Wing Olive 

1. Know the Hatch

  • Timing: BWOs typically hatch during cooler parts of the day, often in late morning or early afternoon. Spring and fall are prime seasons, with some activity during milder winter days.
  • Weather Conditions: Overcast, drizzly, or slightly inclement weather can be ideal. These conditions often stimulate BWO hatches and make trout more surface-active.

2. Matching the Hatch

  • Size and Color: Match your BWO fly to the size and color of the naturals on the water. This can vary, so it’s good to have a range of sizes (typically #16-#24) and shades in your fly box.
  • Stage of Life: Be observant. Are trout taking emergers just below the surface, or are they rising for adults? Have BWO duns (adults) or spinners (mating adults) on hand, as well as emerger and nymph patterns.

3. Fishing Techniques

  • Dry Fly Fishing: When you see trout rising to adults, use a dry BWO. Cast upstream of the feeding trout and let the fly drift naturally over the fish.
  • Emerger Fishing: If trout are feeding just below the surface, use an emerger pattern. Cast in the feeding lane and allow the fly to drift at or just below the surface film.
  • Nymphing: Before the hatch, or when no surface activity is apparent, fish with a BWO nymph. Use a dead drift technique, and consider using a strike indicator to detect subtle takes.

4. Presentation

  • Stealth and Approach: Trout can be wary, especially in clear and slow-moving water. Approach carefully and avoid casting shadows on the water.
  • Drift: Achieving a natural drift is crucial. Your fly should move with the current, at the same speed as the natural insects.
  • Mending: Learn to mend your line to counteract the effects of varying currents, ensuring a drag-free drift.

5. Experimentation and Observation

  • Change Flies: If you’re not getting bites, change your approach. Switch between dry, emerger, and nymph patterns.
  • Observe the Water: Watch how trout are feeding and what insects are present on the water. This observation can guide your choice of fly and technique.

6. Practice and Patience

  • Practice Your Cast: Accuracy and delicacy in casting are vital for success with BWOs, especially in clear water where trout are easily spooked.
  • Be Patient: Sometimes, even with the right fly and technique, trout can be finicky. Patience is a key virtue in fly fishing.

Conclusion

Successfully fishing with the Blue Winged Olive requires a mix of knowledge, observation, and skill. Understanding the conditions that bring about BWO hatches, carefully selecting and presenting your flies, and staying patient and observant on the water will significantly increase your chances of a rewarding day of trout fishing. Remember, fly fishing is as much about enjoying the rhythm of the river and the challenge of the sport as it is about the catch itself.