Cinygmula

NYMPH SIZE: 7-11 mm (1/4-7/16 in)

NYMPH COLOR: Brown, red-brown

DUN SIZE: 7-10 mm (1/4-3/8 in)

DUN COLOR: Wing: smoky gray, often with some yellow. Body: red-brown or olive-brown on top, with lighter shade below.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS: Nymphs flattened and live in cold waters with fast to moderate flow; they have three tails. Adults have two tails.

Mouse-over for alternate views: Dun    Spinner 1    Spinner 2

About Cinygmulas

This obscure mayfly belongs to the clinger group (family Heptageniidae). It is insignificant on most streams, but can be important where it occurs in large numbers.

Nymphs live in cold, rocky or gravelly sections with moderate to fast flows. If there is a large population, nymphs are often found in the drift, and an imitation presented near the bottom can be productive even when no hatch is in progress.

At emergence, nymphs drift in the current on their way to adulthood, and trout will take them near the bottom or near the surface. Duns emerge on the surface, and when you see trout rising to them you should switch to a dry fly. The hatches are usually in fast enough water that you don't need a precise imitation. Hatches are usually in the afternoon.

Spinner falls are rarely important.

Articles About Cinygmulas

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Cinygmula Mayflies One of the most overlooked mayflies in the West, Cinygmulas are common in many small creeks--and a few big rivers. Jeff Morgan

STAGE

PATTERN

SIZE/
COLOR

PRESENTATION

WHERE

Nymph

Pheasant Tail, Hares Ear, A. P. Nymph

14-16/Brown, Red-brown

Indicator, Tight line, Rising nymph

Moderate-fast runs

Emerger

Quigley Cripple

14-16/Red-brown

Standard dry fly

Just below moderate-fast runs

Floating Nymph

14-16/Red-brown

Shallow nymph

Just below moderate-fast runs

Dun

Adams, Parachute Adams, Comparadun, Parachute Hares Ear, Sparkle Dun

14-16/Red-brown, Olive-brown

Standard dry fly

Just below moderate-fast runs