Slate Drake Spinner

The Slate Drake belongs to the Isonychia genus of the Siphlonuridae family of mayflies and is one of the largest of the mayflies. The species name, bicolor, comes from its legs that are bi-colored. The common name “leadwing” comes from the lead color of the flies’ wings. The Slate Drake can be found in nearly all types of trout water and is one of the most important aquatic insects because they are abundant in many streams. Also, since the Slate Drake hatches can start in the spring of the year and continue through the fall season.

The spinner fall ranks second to the nymphs and is really only part of the hatch that you can fish, because trout do not have an opportunity to eat the duns, unless they accidentally fall into the water. You will never have an opportunity to effectively fish a Slate Drake dun!

Slate Drake spinners are commonly called "White Gloved Howdys" because they look like they are wearing white gloves on their front legs. The spinners usually come back to the stream within two days of hatching out. Mating takes place on shore and then the female deposits their eggs by hovering over the surface and dipping slightly into the water to knock the eggs off. This activity usually occurs very late in the day or after dark.

Due to the size and abundance of Slate Drake spinner fall, it can be a very important activity to fish. It doesn't take many of the large flies to get the trout's attention and it all happens within less than an hour.