Yellow May and the Last Cast
June 17, 2025
Michael Olesen’s Yellow May and the Last Cast I usually associate Yellow May with spring and as a kind of prelude to the mayfly season,
• Hook: Maruto d21 size 8 (substitute: any long shank dry fly hook)
• Thread: Brown Semperfli Waxed thread #12/0
• Tail: Moose body or mane hair
• Body: Booby eyes 5mm, yellow or cream
• Wing: 2 selected natural CDC feathers, grey or brown
• Hackle: Coq de Leon, medium Pardo (spotted grey)
• Thorax: CDC dubbing, black
Originally I was inspired by a caterpillar tied with a whole foam tube on top of the hookshank
Pay attention to the little details and take your time
Find links to The Feather mechanic II and articles about Luna mayfly on this page
This particular fly is a product of a lot of experimenting and a need for a shortcut, to make a fun and easy foam body, followed by weeks of finetuning. Originally I was inspired by a caterpillar tied with a whole foam tube on top of the hookshank.
Pay attention to the little details in the steps below. Don’t rush it, take your time, especially with your first attempt.
Now are you ready to tie the Luna Mayfly?
Continue reading below and discover more about the Luna Mayfly and information about it’s creation and how to go about tying it.
Places across the web around the world where The Luna Mayfly was featured
One of my creations “Luna Mayfly” I’ve been given the opportunity to present in Gordon van der Spuy’s new book “The Feather Mechanic II: Beyond the Pattern” In it, I guide the reader through the tying processes, making it an easy task to tie their own Luna Mayfly. Aditionally, the book is beautifully illustrated by Gordon himself.
See more from Gordon van der Spuy on his socials and website.
You can find a copy of “The Feather Mechanic II: Beyond the Pattern” on www.themissionflymag.com
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Explore original work by Michael Olesen and learn ways to make them with easy step by step guides and simple illustrations. Explore a variety of flies and a deep passion for fly tying.
• Hook: Maruto d21 size8 (substitute: any long shank dry fly hook)
• Thread: Brown Semperfli Waxed thread #12/0
• Tail: Moose body or mane hair
• Body: Booby eyes 5mm, yellow or cream
• Wing: 2 selected naturalCDC feathers, grey or brown
• Hackle: Coq de Leon, medium Pardo (spotted grey)
• Thorax: CDC dubbing, black
Click the link below to head over to the full fly tie recipe for Luna Mayfly, explore high resolution images and a detailed view of the tying process broken down and simplified.
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