PALE EVENING DUN (PED)

Description

Pale Evening Dun (PED) – Hatch-Matching Mayfly Dry Fly

The Pale Evening Dun (PED) is a classic hatch-matching fishing fly tied to imitate Ephemerella dorothea infrequens, a mayfly that emerges from late spring through summer evenings. These pale-bodied insects provide consistent surface activity, and trout often feed selectively on them during calm twilight hours. With its slim body, natural coloration, and upright wing, the PED dry fly offers an accurate imitation that fools even wary trout.

Design / Features

This pattern features a pale yellow-tan body, delicate tail fibers, and a dun-colored hackle that helps the fly sit flush in the surface film. Its realistic silhouette mimics freshly hatched duns drifting downstream. The simplicity of its design lends it universal appeal, while the use of subtle materials ensures it remains effective in clear water and technical streams. Many variations exist—parachute and comparadun styles—but the standard PED remains a staple for hatch matchers.

When and Where to Use

The Pale Evening Dun (PED) is most effective in late afternoons and evenings from May through August, when trout rise steadily to duns in smooth glides and back eddies. It excels on spring creeks, tailwaters, and freestones where PEDs are prolific. Presented with a drag-free drift, these fly fishing flies produce reliable results during one of the season’s most anticipated hatches.