As a trout-angler I often like to pack very light in order to maintain good mobility both for when walking long distances, and also for maneuvering through dense forests or in other challenging terrain, or on the river. This is a focus I also try to adapt into my flies, and a good example of such a fly is the Long Legged Mosquito. In general this pattern can produce well almost all through the season, and is meant to imitate both large mosquitoes and a few other grey'ish Dipteras; both pretty common bugs.
Although not being the best floating fly in my box, I do cherish this pattern a lot, and it has proven itself useful in many conditions; from cold, rainy and grey to the warmest and sunniest of days. It makes a great impression on the water, and the hackle should be a bit long, but sparse in fibers. If the fish is extra picky it can be worth trying to trim down the hackle on the underside.
Long Legged Mosquito
Hook: Standard dry fly hook, size 12 to 18 Body: Stripped hackle stem from a dark grizzly or cree rooster cape Legs: Knotted moose mane, one on each side and should be a good two body lengths Wings: Lightest mallard breast feathers (same feathers as for the Europea-12, but lighter) Thorax: Grey poly dubbing, ex.: Fly-Rite or Superfine Hackle: Three turns of dark grizzly or cree hackle from a rooster cape
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