Hawthorn Selection - UPDATED for 2026

The NEW 2026 Barbless Hawthorn selection. A selection of 16 barbless Hawthorn Fly imitations, comprising 4 different patterns (in 2 sizes). The Hawthorn Fly (or Bibio marci) is a small (no larger than 1cm) black fly, noticeable by its long gangling legs. Hatches of Hawthorn flies usually start in late April (some say it's always on St. Mark's Day - 25th April) and last for no more than a couple of weeks. The Hawthorn fly can also be used as a suggestive pattern for a number of different insects, it can imitate a Heather Fly, Daddy Long Legs/Crane Fly and even an adult buzzer, these are great flies to try when searching stillwaters & reservoirs. Once the hawthorn hatch starts on your local river, make sure you have these in your fly box. The legs on these flies seem to act as a trigger to the fish. These flies are tied on size 12 and 14 barbless hooks with a bushy hackle, this allows them to create a wake on the surface when retrieved, again another trigger point the fish home into. These flies are also surprisingly effective when fished as a wet fly, so don't be too quick to keep these flies dry, once wet and submerged, if on a stillwater, gently "figure of 8" them back (on a river try fishing them as you would a spider), and hold on! Top Tip : Fish these flies in the surface film, do not apply any floatant on them. Descriptions of each fly: Hawthorn (Split-Wing) - The classic Hawthorn fly, t his generic Hawthorn fly pattern is tied with long knotted black legs, a back hackle and a black hairy body. This selection contains 2 each of sizes 12 and 14. Hawthorn CdC - This Hawthorn CdC fly pattern is tied with long knotted black legs, a back hackle, black body and buoyant CdC as a post. This selection contains 2 each of sizes 12 and 14. Hawthorn Suspender - This Hawthorn Suspender fly pattern is tied with long knotted black legs, a back peacock herl collar, black body, buoyant black foam post and a small white wing. This selection contains 2 each of sizes 12 and 14. Hawthorn Sparkle - This Hawthorn fly pattern is tied with just a pinch of added sparkle (tinsel), long knotted black legs, a back hackle, black body . This selection contains 2 each of sizes 12 and 14. The price includes 16 hand-tied barbless hawthorn flies supplied in our eco-friendly packaging. We currently have these fly selections in stock and will ship these to you as soon as we receive notification of your payment, generally if a payment is made in the morning your flies will be with you the very next day.