Madam X Fly

The Madam X is a versatile, high‑floating attractor pattern with a distinctive hopper‑style profile. Created in the 1980s by author, guide, and innovative fly tyer Doug Swisher, it was originally developed for the diverse waters of Montana’s Bitterroot River—famous for its variety of hatches and big‑fish opportunities.

Rounded and adaptable, the Madam X imitates a wide range of large terrestrial and aquatic insects. While it’s best known as a hopper or stonefly imitation, it can easily be modified to suggest cicadas, crickets, dragonflies, and other oversized meals. The original version featured yellow ribbing, though modern variations incorporate a spectrum of colors to match different conditions and insect types.

With its buoyant body, lively legs, and bold silhouette, the Madam X remains a dependable attractor pattern that draws confident strikes from trout across a wide range of waters.