Immortal May – Olive
The Immortal May was designed to be an extremely durable mayfly nymph.
The rubber tail and legs are basically indestructible and the abdomen is pretty dang close. Usually the wire rib is the first thing to get worn out on this pattern, which should say enough about the durability.
The thorax is made of CDC dubbing to give extra movement and the bead is tungsten to help get it down in the zone.
With the upturned eye on the TMC 226BL, there is plenty of hook gap on even the smaller sizes.
This is a great pattern for bringing fish to the net and while keeping the fly box full. It’ll be difficult to find a longer lasting mayfly pattern than this one.
Designed by: Signature Tyer Josh Smitherman
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Rubber tail and legs |
| Abdomen | Resistant construction |
| Thorax | CDC dubbing |
| Beading | Tungsten bead |
| Hook Type | TMC 226BL |
FAQ
What makes the Immortal May durable?
The rubber tail and legs are highly resistant, and the abdomen is very durable. The wire rib is typically the first part to wear out, indicating the overall strength of the pattern.
Is the thorax made from a specific material?
Yes, the thorax is made of CDC dubbing, which provides extra movement and natural action when fished.
What type of hook is used with this pattern?
The Immortal May is designed to work with the TMC 226BL hook, which features an upturned eye providing ample hook gap even on smaller sizes.
Adam Jones –
I’ve used this pattern for over a year in both spring and summer waters. It holds up well under constant use and has only lost a small piece of the wire rib. The tungsten bead helps it sink naturally, and the CDC dubbing gives it a realistic wiggle. Great for keeping my fly box full without losing patterns quickly.
Stephanie Cornish –
This is one of the most durable mayfly nymphs I’ve ever used. Even after multiple casts in fast-moving streams, the rubber tail and legs remain intact. The upturned eye on the hook makes it easy to present with a good gap. I recommend it for any angler who values longevity.
Thomas Paige –
The pattern performs well in the water and feels natural when fished. The only minor issue is that the wire rib wears down after a few months, but that’s expected. Overall, it’s a solid choice for long-term use in mayfly imitations.