Split Back PMD Emerger
Split Back PMD Emerger is a subsurface Pale Morning Dun emerger with a dark split wingcase and a bright yellow bump that shows trout a PMD in the act of hatching. It supports Split Back PMD Emerger, PMD emerger nymph, and pale morning dun hatch fly searches.
Imitates: Emerging Pale Morning Dun mayflies
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #16-18
- Best Season
- Late spring through summer
- Best Conditions
- Tailwaters, spring creeks, and riffle-to-glide transitions during PMD hatches
- Water Temp
- 52-66°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 5X-6X
How to Rig It
Drop it 14-20 inches behind a PMD dry or fish it as the top fly in a light two-nymph rig.
How to Present It
Dead-drift it just under the film and let it swing up at the end of the drift to imitate an emerger rising.
Why It Works
The split wingcase and yellow bump mimic the moment the dun splits its shuck, which is when trout eat PMDs most confidently.
History
Split-back emergers grew out of western tailwater fishing where trout key on the emergence stage rather than the adult dun.
Pro Tip
If trout are bulging without breaking the surface during a PMD hatch, they are eating this stage, not the dun.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fish a Split Back PMD Emerger?+
Fish it as a dropper behind a PMD dry and let it drift in the film, then allow a slow lift at the end of the drift.
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