I have had remarkable success fishing lakes with Kaufmann’s Dragon for years. Yes, I venture off and experiment with Callibaetis, Chironomid and Caddis imitations. Entire days are spent experimenting with patterns for this mayfly or that midge. But, if I put on a dragon nymph I almost always have success. The Kaufmann Dragon is my go to dragon fly pattern. Green is great, but experiment with a mottled color too.
I am not too superstitious (maybe a little) but when I am out on a lake and an adult dragon has emerged and has taken a position on my rod I take note, of course. Always positioned on the rod facing me, not looking away, but looking at me…extending an invitation to dredge or creep a dragon fly nymph along the bottom. Slow and easy along the bottom; more often than not (way more often than not) I find success. I am going to again experiment with a Morris Foam Dragon. This pattern uses closed cell foam to help suspend the nymph up off the bottom. That coupled with a heavy sink line keeps the floating nymph just moving above the bottom.
SwittersB & Exploring 