The BWO Guide’s Choice Comparadun: A Go-To Fly for Every Angler's Box

When it comes to fishing Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), the right fly can make all the difference. One pattern that stands out as a top choice for guides and anglers alike is the BWO Guide's Choice Comparadun, a fusion of two classic patterns: the Comparadun developed by Al Caucci and Bob Nastasi in the 1970s, and Fran Betters' iconic The Usual. This blend of fly-tying history gives anglers a fly that is not only quick to tie but also incredibly durable and effective on the water.

Why the BWO Guide’s Choice Comparadun Is So Effective

The secret to the BWO Guide’s Choice Comparadun lies in its construction. The combination of a synthetic wing allows you to create a slender, tapered body that makes this fly deadly accurate in imitating the natural insect. Here’s why this pattern should be at the top of your list for any BWO hatch:

• Durability: You should love this fly because it’s tough. The synthetic wing stands up to the rigors of long fishing days, fish after fish, while maintaining its effectiveness.
• Realistic Profile: The slender, tapered body of the fly—thanks to the lack of bulky dubbing—mimics the natural profile of a BWO perfectly. The fly sits low on the water, just like a real mayfly, making it irresistible to trout.
• Quick to Tie: If you’re an angler who enjoys tying your own flies, this pattern is a dream. The use of a synthetic wing material is not only easier to work with, but it also allows you to tie more flies in less time. Guides often prefer patterns they can crank out quickly yet consistently, and that is why we call this the BWO Guides Choice Comparadun as it fits this bill.
• Versatile in Different Water Conditions: Whether you are fishing slower moving water on a river or stream to faster moving water this pattern is going to excel at presenting the perfect imitation of a BWO. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it adaptable to different situations, especially during BWO hatches when trout can get picky.

BWO Guides Choice Comparadun Fly Tying Tutorial:

BWO Guides Choice Comparadun Materials List:

• Hook: Moonlit Premium TOGATTA ML102 sz14-20
• Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Pale Olive
• Tail: Semperfli Tailing Fibbets Medium Olive
• Body: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Pale Olive
• Ribbing: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Pale Olive/marked with green olive alcohol marker
• Wing: Semperfli Predator Fibers Silver Baitfish
• Thorax: Moonlit Beaver Dubbing Pale Olive

BWO Hatch Chart: Timing Is Everything

To maximize your success with the BWO Guide’s Choice Comparadun, understanding when and where to fish during a BWO hatch is crucial. BWOs are one of the most important mayfly hatches across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Here’s a regional hatch chart to help you time your outings for the best chances of success.

Best Time and Conditions for Fishing a BWO Hatch

BWOs tend to hatch in cooler, overcast conditions, making them one of the few mayflies that thrive during less-than-ideal weather for humans but perfect weather for fish. Overcast, cloudy skies, especially with a light drizzle, create the best conditions for a strong BWO hatch.

The time of day also plays an important role. During peak hatch periods in the spring and fall, late mornings and early afternoons often see the most activity. On cooler days, BWOs tend to hatch in the middle of the day when the water temperature rises slightly. Keep an eye on the weather and water temperatures, as BWOs tend to be more active when water temps are in the mid-40s to mid-50s (Fahrenheit).

Fishing the BWO Guide’s Choice Comparadun: Tactics for Success

Once you’ve got your BWO Guide’s Choice Comparadun tied and ready, it’s time to put it to work. Here are a few tips to help you fish this pattern effectively:

1. Dead Drift Presentation: Like most dry flies, the Comparadun excels when presented with a dead drift. Cast upstream or across the current, making sure the fly drifts naturally with no drag. If the water is slower, you might need to add a small mend to avoid drag.
2. Focus on Riffles and Seamlines: Trout love to sit in these areas, especially during a BWO hatch. Target riffles where oxygen is high, or the seamlines where fast and slow water meet. This is where you’ll find fish rising during a hatch.
3. Keep an Eye on Rises: BWOs are small, and so are the rises they produce. Look for subtle surface disturbances, like small dimples or head-and-tail rises. These will be your indicator that fish are feeding on BWOs, and it’s time to present your Comparadun.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Whether you're fishing a crystal-clear stream in the Rockies, a highland river in Scotland, or a quiet backcountry creek in Canada, the BWO Guide’s Choice Comparadun is the perfect fly to add to your box. Its proven durability, effectiveness, and ease of tying make it a trusted favorite for guides and seasoned anglers alike.

So, the next time you're on the water during a BWO hatch, tie on a BWO Guide’s Choice Comparadun and prepare for some exciting topwater action. With the right timing, weather conditions, and a well-tied fly, you’ll find yourself netting fish after fish!

Happy fishing and tight lines!