Fly Tying Inventory
Callibaetis Spinner
A delicate dry fly imitating the spent Callibaetis mayfly spinner that falls on the lake surface after mating. Uses turkey biot for a realistic segmented abdomen and spent wings for the classic spread-wing spinner silhouette. Essential during summer evening spinner falls on productive stillwaters.
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Materials
Dry fly hook, sizes 12-18 (TMC 100SP-BL or Daiichi 1110)
Tan, gray, or rusty dun 8/0 to 14/0
Microfibbets or Coq de Leon fibers, light gray, 2-4 fibers splayed
Turkey biot, Callibaetis tan / sandy gray color
Superfine dubbing, tan or gray Callibaetis color
EP Fibers, poly yarn, or CDC, white or medium dun – tied spent
EP Trigger Point Fibers, UV orange (optional, for visibility)
How to Tie the Callibaetis Spinner
- 1
Step 1
Begin thread two eye-lengths back from the eye, wrapping a smooth base to the bend.
- 2
Step 2
Select 2-4 Microfibbet tail fibers. Secure at the bend, splaying outward for a realistic split. Tail should be about shank length.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in a turkey biot at the base of the tail, curved side up. Optionally apply thin super glue to the shank for durability.
- 4
Step 4
Wrap the biot forward in slightly overlapping turns to create a segmented, slender abdomen. Stop at the thorax region.
Cut the biot tip off for easier handling.
- 5
Step 5
Tie in wing material perpendicular to the hook at the thorax. Keep wings flat/spent. Secure with figure-eight wraps. Trim to shank length.
- 6
Step 6
Dub a thorax of superfine Callibaetis-colored dubbing in front of and behind the wings, building a gentle hump.
- 7
Step 7
Optionally add a small bright UV orange sighter post above the wing for easy tracking on still water.
- 8
Step 8
Whip finish behind the eye. Trim excess. Apply a small drop of head cement.
Fish with a long leader (12-15 feet) and 5X-6X tippet for natural drift.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XUHgvpOqkU
Credit: Various / The Fly Bench