By Guest Blogger – Clint Bova
Mosquito larvae exist wherever there is standing water, and their hatch rates are staggering. From May through October, these insects are prolific across most of North America. Like the black fly, mosquitoes are a staple in a trout’s diet, largely due to what I call the “Pounds Per Meat Law”—meaning trout favor food sources that offer the most nutrition for the least energy expended.
With that in mind, the mosquito dry should be a top-tier pattern in every trout angler’s fly box.
This quilled mosquito pattern is one I’ve modified over the years. It can be tied with a standard hackle collar using hen tips or with a CDC stack combined with an Aero Dry Wing underwing.
Below, two quill options are shown. The black is overdyed using Veniard’s, and the other is a bleached, undyed hackle. Both are sourced from inexpensive feather dusters, which run around $7 and provide hundreds of usable quills.
Using a TMC 212Y hook (size 14 shown), tie in both quills side by side. Wrap them up the shank, stopping about three eye lengths behind the eye. Be sure your thread base is smooth and the quills are soaked for at least two hours prior.
Tie in two sets of micro-knotted black pheasant tail fibers on each side for legs.
Add a single strand of Tiemco Aero Dry Wing for the underwing. Trim it short of the bend.
Top the fly with 3 to 4 CDC feathers, extending to the bend. Use Superfine black dubbing for the thorax, keeping wraps minimal—mosquito heads are tiny. This fly should be light and delicate, not bulky.
CB’s Quilled Mosquito Recipe
- Hook: TMC 212Y, sizes 12–18
- Thread: Veevus 16/0
- Body: Two quills—one black (overdyed), one bleached undyed
- Legs: Micro-knotted pheasant tail, black
- Underwing: Tiemco Aero Dry Wing (single strand)
- Wing: Natural or dun CDC
- Thorax: Superfine black dubbing (minimal)
Final Thoughts
The mosquito is a fantastic fallback during summer when trout are sipping and midges just aren’t cutting it. When other patterns fail to draw strikes, this one often pulls interest. It’s subtle, it’s natural, and it works.
Don’t overlook the mosquito. It might not be flashy, but it’s earned its spot in my box—and it just might deserve a spot in yours too.
