Tail angle for a dry mayfly imitation

[Glans]

What would be the correct angle for the tail for the dry mayfly imitation.
If you build up thread that gives a little bump you get the tail to angle upwards. This would leave the body and front hackles to press on the water while the tail is above the water.
If you tie the tail horizontal it would also impress on the water and give more support for the fly to float.
Which is the more natural or does it really matter?

Jannie

[Pipe]

What would be the correct angle for the tail for the dry mayfly imitation.
If you build up thread that gives a little bump you get the tail to angle upwards. This would leave the body and front hackles to press on the water while the tail is above the water.
If you tie the tail horizontal it would also impress on the water and give more support for the fly to float.
Which is the more natural or does it really matter?

Jannie

Hello Jannie,

Good question, personally I like a tail to point up for more "alive" looking patterns, but if you think about it sometimes a more scruffy dead (drowned) version would work better

My 2 cents