Serendipity

Craig Mathews pattern. Staple for Madison River trout and other midge-hungry trout.

Printed on the 8 of spades

The Serendipity came out of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone and made its reputation on the Madison River. The body is twisted Z-lon or antron, which gives a tight, translucent segmentation that looks convincingly like a midge or small caddis larva, and the clipped deer hair head gives it a blunt profile and a little buoyancy.

It is one of those patterns that works better than its simplicity suggests. Midge larvae are among the most abundant trout foods in any river, available every month of the year, and a fly that reads as a segmented worm-like larva rarely gets examined closely.

Red, olive and brown are the standard colors. Red is worth carrying specifically: in slightly colored water or low light it is noticeably easier for a fish to find, and it is a well-known confidence color on the Madison and elsewhere.

What does a Serendipity imitate?

Midge and caddis larvae, and emerging pupae.

How do you fish a Serendipity?

Dead drift deep under an indicator, usually as the trailing fly. It also fishes well swung up at the end of the drift during an emergence.

When should you fish a Serendipity?

Year round, and particularly productive in autumn and winter when midge larvae make up most of a trout's diet.

What are the quick tips for fishing it?

• Red is not a gimmick here — carry it.
• Excellent trailing fly behind a heavier stonefly nymph.
• Keep the deer hair head small; a bulky head kills the profile.

How is a Serendipity tied?

• Hook: curved scud hook, #16-#20
• Thread: to match body
• Body: twisted Z-lon or antron in red, olive or brown
• Head: clipped deer hair

Dressings vary by tier and region. Treat this as the common recipe, not the only one.