Baetis Spinner - Rusty

When mayflies finish mating and the female return to the water to lay their eggs, they tend to die on the surface of the water with their wings spent out to the sides like an airplane.  This final phase of the mayflies life cycle is called the spinner and many mayfly species, including most Baetis, turn a rusty color in this spinner phase.  This pattern is a must have for anglers fishing in the spring and fall when Baetis are present and can be a good idea when you see fish rising but don't see mayfly duns hatching on the surface.