Not quite a year has passed since I started promoting this pattern. I tied the fly, based upon earlier experiences on Oregon’s East Lake. I remarked upon the numerous glowing orbs I had seen as Callibaetis hovered just beneath the surface film in a diagonal posture. This emerger was tied in response, but, I only got to use it a few times last Summer. It was successful, but I really never got to repetitively fish over a Callibaetis hatch more than a couple times. The fly needs more use by others besides myself to see if it is as good as my initial assumptions. It fished well as a searching pattern some distance down and later in the film. But, it needs more exposure this coming season. I believe the ostrich body and tail, color and the Orb are key. The clear, buoyant bead I used, with a tinsel underwrap near the eye, is the most interesting part for me…hence the name. Please tie it and share your results once the Callibaetis or any other mayfly,I suppose, are in full swing. I intend to try it on not only stillwaters, but streams as well. I will be anxious to see if the pattern is successful. Let me know if it works, in the film and just beneath.
SwittersB & Exploring 
Where do you buy the buoyant beads? What are they called? I’ve been wanting something like this for a long time.
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Doug I had a similar enquiry about a month ago and for the life of me I cannot recall where I purchased them. I do know it was a fly shop item as opposed to a craft bead. I am in the process of moving and all my materials are buried right now so I cannot dig about to find an unopened package. I researched after the last enquiry and could not find a current listing for the floating beads. Someone that knows an awful lot about tying materials is Planet Trout (http://planettrout.wordpress.com) If anyone might know he would. I am sorry for the lack of info. Back when I posted that, I paid little attention to the pattern/recipe particulars in my posts. If I find out more I will certainly get ahold of you.
I notice my 4/27/09 post re the Orb does not reference a specific brand of bead. I looked at Feather Craft and Spirit River without luck
Gary
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These flies look impressive. I have found that spikey fur dubbed correctly will give the same effect. When viewed from under the water, dubbed muskrat fur “lights up” like the natural insect which has a layer of gas which causes the glow that you see when emerging. The same happens with caddis emergers. Try a spikey fur with natural repellant qualities like Hare`s ear, Australian opossum, or wool which is clipped into 1/4 inch lengths before spinning and dubbing, beaver,and mink will also “light up”. For caddis emerging pupa dub a spikey body and then wrap 2 turns of cdc and a brown mink head which will lock the trapped air in the fur for the La Fontaine sparkle effect. Tie a spikey nymph then hold fly under water with forceps at hook bend in a clear glass with light over left shoulder and you will be surprised! The old time fly tiers were ahead of the curve before sparkle yarn was discovered. I also tie and use La Fontaine style sparkle yarn caddis with good results.
I enjoy your web site…Thanks…Ken
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