Dive into the Legacy: The Olive Dun and Starling North Country Spider

North Country Spiders aren’t simply just flies, but are a link to the rich history of fly fishing.  They originated in Northern England during the 18^th and 19^th centuries, first described in manuscripts like The Art of Angling and later gaining prominence through Pritt's Yorkshire Trout Flies. These patterns were designed to imitate emerging insects, they combine simplicity and functionality, making them as effective today as they were centuries ago.

Today many anglers might know these styles of patterns as "soft hackles," but the original North Country Spiders are the timeless predecessors of many modern fly designs. The sparse bodies and movement the hackle breathes into the fly as it pulses in the water have stood the test of time. 

We pay homage to this heritage with the Olive Dun and Starling North Country Spider with our modern twist. When it comes to matching a Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatch this North Country Spider mimics emerging mayflies as they rise to the surface.  The movement of the hackle will often trigger fish to instinctively strike their prey before it escapes into flight

The Beauty in Simplicity

The simplicity of the Olive Dun and Starling North Country Spider is part of what makes this pattern so special. Using just a few materials-a body of olive dun thread, a touch of pine squirrel dubbing, and delicate starling hackle brings this fly to life creating a fly that dances in the water with the same elegance as the insects it imitates.  All this helps to create a highly versatile pattern that can be fished using several different techniques. 

This makes this pattern an ideal choice for anglers who love tying their own flies. Whether you’re new to fly tying, or an experienced tier, creating your own Olive Dun and Starling Spider is a rewarding experience. There’s a certain magic in casting a fly you’ve tied yourself and feeling that tug on the line.

Olive Dun and Starling North Country Spider Fly Tying Tutorial:

Olive Dun and Starling North Country Spider Materials List:

• Hook: Moonlit Premium TOGATTA ML102 sz16-20
• Thread/Body: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Olive Dun
• Ribbing: Semperfli 0.1mm Fine Fly Tying Wire Chartreuse
• Thorax: Moonlit Fly Fishing Pine Squirrel Dubbing Olive
• Hackle: Starling
• UV Resin: Solarez Bone Dry (or use Head Cement)
• UV Pen: Moonlit Fly Fishing Quick Dry UV Pen

Fishing Techniques for the Olive Dun and Starling

The Olive Dun and Starling North Country Spider is as versatile as it is effective. Here are a few ways to fish this pattern and bring the adventure to life:

1. The Traditional Swing

• Cast across and slightly downstream, letting the fly swing naturally in the current.
• The soft hackle will pulse and undulate in the water, mimicking an emerging insect struggling to hatch.
• This technique works wonders during a BWO hatch when trout are focused on insects just below the surface.

2. Trailing Behind a Dry Fly

• Use the Olive Dun and Starling Spider as a dropper behind a BWO dry fly.
• This setup targets fish feeding in two zones: those sipping emergers just below the surface and those taking fully emerged duns.
• The dry fly acts as an indicator, helping you detect subtle strikes.

3. Off an Anchor Nymph

• Tie this pattern above a heavier anchor nymph in a tight-line nymphing setup.
• The Spider dances enticingly in the current, representing an emerging insect, while the nymph targets trout feeding closer to the bottom.
• This approach is especially effective in deeper runs or faster water.

The Adventure Awaits

Tying and fishing the Olive Dun and Starling North Country Spider isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about connecting with the roots of fly fishing. Imagine yourself standing in a quiet stream, casting a fly steeped in tradition, and feeling the thrill of a trout rising to take your offering.

Every step of the process, from tying to fishing, brings a sense of accomplishment and adventure. Whether you're targeting trout in a bustling BWO hatch or exploring new waters, this pattern has the power to make your fly fishing journey unforgettable.

So, gather your materials, fire up your tying vise, and create your own Olive Dun and Starling North Country Spiders. The fish are waiting, and the adventure is yours to embrace.