With the sulphur hatch in full swing in the East, sometimes matching the hatch can be impossible. Instead, offering something just a little different to picky trout can be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Above, Tim Flagler ties his Sulphur Comparadun, which could be that “something different” when hundreds (or thousands) of mayflies are on the water. It’s just a bit different … a hair unique … and Flagler says the trout really dig it.

For me, though, it’s a tough tie at the vise, simply because it incorporates deer hair (my nemasis!). But, as with any fly pattern, practice makes perfect. And, from my western perspective, I can see this pattern being used to tie different mayfly imitations–it could be a big Green Drake for those rainy, early summer days, or a tiny Blue-winged Olive for blustery fall outings. It could pass as a reasonable impression of a summer-time staple, the Pale Morning Dun, too.

If you’re looking for a mayfly pattern that is just a bit different, and different is what it’s going to take to fool wary trout, consider this pattern and this tying method.

And practice, of course.