Hendrickson and the Red Quill:
The Hendrickson and the Red Quill are a little different from most mayflies in that this
species has a common name for the male and another for the female. The reason is that
they are different enough in size and color that they require different imitations. The
Hendrickson is the female subvaria and the Red Quill is the male.
The Hendrickson and Red Quill belong to the Ephemerella genus of the large
Ephemerellidae family. The larger “Hendrickson” or female is also called the “Light
Hendrickson”. The smaller “Red Quill”, or male is sometimes called the “Dark
Hendrickson”. During the hatch, It is possible that the trout may become selective on
either one - the male or the female. I say possible but I will also point out that it is not
probable. Although the subvaria nymphs inhibit a very wide range of water, it doesn't
compare to the area of water that is better suited for the clinger nymphs. The crawler
nymphs do not handle the fast, turbulent pocket water nearly as well as the clingers. That
is why you will only find them in isolated areas of some streams.
When you are fishing, general rules don't necessarily apply. Even though you may not
run into the Hendricksons and Red Quills just anywhere you decide you want to fish,
when and where ever you do, you will find the trout feeding on them. Being prepared for
this hatch could very well make the difference in success or failure.
The Hendrickson and the Red Quill are a little different from most mayflies in that this
species has a common name for the male and another for the female. The reason is that
they are different enough in size and color that they require different imitations. The
Hendrickson is the female subvaria and the Red Quill is the male.
The Hendrickson and Red Quill belong to the Ephemerella genus of the large
Ephemerellidae family. The larger “Hendrickson” or female is also called the “Light
Hendrickson”. The smaller “Red Quill”, or male is sometimes called the “Dark
Hendrickson”. During the hatch, It is possible that the trout may become selective on
either one - the male or the female. I say possible but I will also point out that it is not
probable. Although the subvaria nymphs inhibit a very wide range of water, it doesn't
compare to the area of water that is better suited for the clinger nymphs. The crawler
nymphs do not handle the fast, turbulent pocket water nearly as well as the clingers. That
is why you will only find them in isolated areas of some streams.
When you are fishing, general rules don't necessarily apply. Even though you may not
run into the Hendricksons and Red Quills just anywhere you decide you want to fish,
when and where ever you do, you will find the trout feeding on them. Being prepared for
this hatch could very well make the difference in success or failure.
Copyright 2008 James Marsh
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