The Blue Winged Olive Dry Fly is a classic imitation designed to match one of the most consistent and widespread hatches found on rivers and streams. Blue Winged Olives (often abbreviated to BWO) appear across much of the season, particularly during cooler, overcast and slightly damp conditions when trout feed confidently on the surface.
This pattern features a slim olive body paired with soft blue-grey wings, accurately reflecting the natural dun as it rests in the surface film. Its balanced proportions and subtle colouring create a realistic silhouette that trout readily recognise. Because Blue Winged Olives are small and abundant, matching size and presentation is often more important than excessive detail.
Although primarily associated with river fishing, the Blue Winged Olive Dry Fly can also be effective on stillwaters when trout are rising to small upwinged flies. It is especially valuable during spring and autumn when BWO hatches are most reliable.
Please note all of our fishing flies are barbless unless otherwise stated.
Blue Winged Olive Dry Fly Specifications
Tail - Cock Cape Olive
Body - Silk Olive
Wing - Half Mallard
Hackle - Cock Cape Olive
Head - Black Silk
Hook - Barbless, Mustad of Norway
Target Species - Trout
Why Choose The Blue Winged Olive Dry Fly
Reliable Hatch Match
Imitates one of the most common and important fly species.
Effective in Dull Conditions
Particularly productive during cloudy or cooler weather.
Selective Feeding Solution
Ideal when trout are rising steadily to small olive duns.
How To Dress The Blue Winged Olive Dry Fly
Apply Floatant To Hackle & Wing
Lightly treat these areas before casting to ensure proper flotation.
Keep The Body Untreated
Avoid saturating the body with floatant so the fly sits naturally in the film.
Dry Between Casts
Use amadou or desiccant powder to restore buoyancy if the fly becomes waterlogged.
How To Fish The Blue Winged Olive Dry Fly
Upstream Dead Drift
Cast upstream of rising fish and allow the fly to drift naturally without drag. Accurate placement is key when trout are feeding selectively.
Match Overcast Hatches
Fish during cool, cloudy conditions when Blue Winged Olive hatches are most active.
Target Slow Glides and Pool Tails
Focus on smoother sections of river where trout rise rhythmically to emerging duns.
