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Technical reviewed side profile illustration of Micro May showing compact bead-head profile, segmented abdomen, short wing case, sparse tail and legsIllustrated reference

Nymph · guide 32

Micro May

A compact bead-head mayfly nymph used as a small dropper or in a multi-nymph rig.

Common size
Small tailwater sizes; verify the local form
Common colors
olive, brown, black
Imitates
small mayfly nymph, Baetis or Trico nymph
How to recognize it

The inventory wording refers to the named Micro May pattern, not every tiny mayfly. The reviewed form is a short compact nymph with a bead, segmented body, wing case, and sparse tail and legs.

Technical reviewed side profile illustration of Micro May showing compact bead-head profile, segmented abdomen, short wing case, sparse tail and legs
Illustrated reference

Micro May reviewed side profile

A schematic profile emphasizing compact bead-head profile and segmented abdomen.

View
reviewed side profile
Color shown
olive-brown body and dark bead
Look for
compact bead-head profile; segmented abdomen; short wing case; sparse tail and legs
Open full-size image ↗

On the water

Know when and how to fish it.

Use these tips as a starting point. The river, depth, insects, and fish behavior still decide the final presentation.

01

When to use it

  • As a compact mayfly-nymph dropper.
  • During small-mayfly windows.
02

How to fish it

  • Dead-drift near active-nymph depth.
  • Let the compact bead establish depth without oversizing the fly.
03

Mistakes to avoid

  • Reading the name as every small mayfly.
  • Claiming one color or bead is universal.

Common variations

Small changes can make a different fly.

Three reviewed technical illustrations show the identifying profile, construction, and fishing orientation. They are schematic field-guide aids, not photographs.

Reviewed core form

The inventory wording refers to the named Micro May pattern, not every tiny mayfly. The reviewed form is a short compact nymph with a bead, segmented body, wing case, and sparse tail and legs.
Colors shown
olive, brown, black
Weighting
Weighting is identified when it defines the reviewed form; other bead or weight choices remain labeled variants.

Related patterns

Blue-Winged Olive Patterns ↗Trico Patterns ↗Perdigon Nymph ↗

How this guide was checked

Fly information and photo sources.

Guide checked on 2026-07-12. Every image has its own source and usage record. Natural insects and hand-tied flies can vary in shape and proportion.

Pattern sources

Orvis NewsTop 10 Nymph Patterns for Montana Tailwaters↗

Image credits