Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Flies Quick Picks
Best All-Around PMD Dry Fly: PMD Dry Fly - A solid, general imitation that covers the main PMD species anglers run into from May through July. Carry this in sizes 14-18 for most western and midwestern rivers.
Best for Technical Spring Creeks: Parachute PMD Dry Fly - Suited to slower, clearer water where trout get a long look at your fly. The low-riding parachute profile and clean silhouette hold up against picky fish that refuse standard hackled ties.
Best Euro Nymph Rig: Jiggy PMD Nymph Fly - Built for anglers Euro nymphing deep runs or fast currents where PMD nymphs get pushed along the bottom. The tungsten head and jig hook get it down fast and keep it riding hook-point up.
Best Starter Assortment: Rio PMD Dry Fly Assortment - Good for anglers who want the best-selling PMD patterns and sizes in one box instead of guessing which ties to buy individually.
Best Color-Match for Pale Hatches: Parachute PMD Pale Yellow Dry Fly - Useful when the natural duns on your water run noticeably lighter than a standard PMD tie. Keep a few on hand for rivers where trout key on that paler shade.
How to Choose Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Flies
Color & Shade
Standard yellowish-olive: Matches the majority of PMD hatches and is the safe default when you have not had a chance to check the natural insects on the water.
Pale yellow: Switch to this shade on rivers where the hatching duns run noticeably lighter, which happens often enough on spring creeks and certain tailwaters that it is worth carrying both.
Dry Fly or Nymph
Dry flies: Fish these once you see consistent rises during the hatch, usually mid-morning to early afternoon in summer.
Nymphs: PMD nymphs are effective well before and after the surface activity starts, so run one subsurface any time fish are not actively rising.
Size Guide
Sizes 14-16: Cover most PMD hatches on freestone rivers where the naturals run on the larger side.
Sizes 16-18: Better for smaller PMD species or heavily pressured water where trout are more particular about profile and size.
On-the-Water Tips
Time your day around the hatch: PMDs typically emerge from late morning into early afternoon during summer, so plan to be on the water during that window rather than at first light.
Check natural color before tying on: PMDs range from yellowish olive to a creamy pale yellow, so match a few naturals against your fly before making repeated casts to rising fish.
Fish the nymph first: Start with a Jiggy PMD Nymph ahead of the emergence, then switch to a dry fly once you see steady rises.
Target spring creeks and tailwaters in summer: PMDs are some of the best dry fly fishing of the season on this type of water, so prioritize it during May through July.
Complete Your Setup
Related Gear
Trout Flies - Add more patterns to round out your box for hatches beyond PMDs.
Dry Flies & Spinners - Build out your surface fly selection for the rest of the summer hatch calendar.
Nymph Flies - Stock additional subsurface patterns for the hours between hatches.
Fly Fishing Leaders - Pair a long, fine-tapered leader with your PMD dries for delicate presentations on flat, clear water.
Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Flies FAQs
Q: When do PMDs hatch?
A: Pale Morning Duns hatch primarily from May through July, with the heaviest activity typically running from late morning into early afternoon. They are one of the signature summer hatches on western and midwestern rivers and spring creeks.
Q: What size PMD flies should I carry?
A: Sizes 14-18 cover most PMD hatches, since the naturals vary in size depending on the specific species and the water you are fishing. Carry a spread across that range and check natural insects on the water to narrow it down.
Q: What is the difference between a PMD and a BWO?
A: Both are mayflies, but PMDs run yellowish olive to pale yellow and hatch mainly in summer, while BWOs are a darker olive and hatch nearly year-round, often heaviest on cool or overcast days. Anglers typically fish PMD patterns in warmer months and switch to BWO imitations during the shoulder seasons.