Does anyone know if these hatch in open water, and if so are they of particular interest to the fish? I know there are patterns for them such as spanish needle, etc.

They are everywhere on the rivers up north at the moment and the fish are taking them. They are actually a small stonefly and this is there time.
I use this which is tied entirely out of CDC and works well for both trout and grayling.
You can dispense with the green tag but it works better with it. Fish eh?

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Lovely pattern Phil.
Saw a very simple pattern by Stuart Crofts. All it was was some flame tapered fine chenille and a cdc f-fly type wing.
He said it worked a treat.
One of the natural beggers here,

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Hi', BadC,
There are 6 recorded species in the genus, Leuctridae, of which 5 are called Needle Flies, and 1 is popularly known as the Willow Fly. the Late Needles are on now, and so is Willow Fly. So many of the smaller Needle Flies look so similar that Phil or Crofty's pattern would cover them all. Willow Fly is definitely a bit bigger, but a size 14 or 16 should cover the lot in that genus.
Nice fly, Phil. BadC, the traditional Light and Dark Spanish Needles, plus Willow Fly should provide you with the wets that you might need. Cheers, Jada
PS If pushed for a pattern, a dry Black Gnat is worth a chuck, But Phil's fly looks more imitative and will probably appear more natural.

Thanks for the info and patterns guys, nice pics too, useful to myself and many others no doubt.

yes very useful


Cheers
Spencer

Lots of them on the Test yesterday. Here's a pic:


Actual pixels version downloadable here