I tie my black foam beetle underbody with peacock herl. Then I don't bother
with legs. Between the color, flash, and little bits sticking out wiggling,
it seems to be dynomite! The smaller sizes work best on Brookies but
Rainbow especially like a #10 or 12. I have a small hoard of Japanese
beetle pattern I found at a shop in Linville NC. I have never found the
material to make the darn things. They are somewhat fragile and only take a
dozen or so fish before they are done. I've never found a beetle pattern
for Rainbows and Browns to beat it.
--
Wayne
To Fish is Human...To Release Divine!

"Larry L" wrote in message
...
For ME beetle patterns are one of MY dry "go to" patterns for searching
the
water, fishing to fish I've seen when nothing specific seems to be
hatching,
and for fishing to risers when they won't accept my "hatch matching"
efforts. Larry's Fishing Rule #19 " After some refusals to your best
entomological marvel ties, rest him and show him a beetle before you give
up." g

I'd probably pick a #14 or 16 black foam beetle, tied with a peacock
underbody, rubberlegs, and a dab of bright poly on the back to help me see
it, in that oft contemplated "you can only have one dry fly" situation

YMMV

PS another benefit? you can tie them VERY fast and they last a long time
if you run tying thread through the peacock to strengthen it

PPS do NOT be afraid to try some HUGE beetles for searching ... I bet
you'll be pleasantly surprised