All-Purpose Mayfly Nymph

[Shoeman]

Seeing we have quite a few new tyers on board I figured maybe we should do a few step-by-step patterns.

Here's one of my favorites. A couple of years ago I started using those curved nymph hooks and really liked the look.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/AP_Supplies.jpg

I prefer to use natural dubbing since my basement looks like I run a trap line, but any dubbing will work. Keep in mind that the abdomen should be a finer blend than the thorax.

I like muskrat underfur for the abdomen

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/AP_fur_1.jpg

For the thorax I include some guard hairs and underfur from rabbit and mix it up with squirrel

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/AP_fur_2.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/AP_fur_3.jpg

Most all of my nymphs are weighted either with a bead or leadwraps

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/AP_Lead_wraps.jpg

Here's an interesting thought that was brought to my attention by Knockoff while fishing a creek a few years back. He was fishing "indi-style" and I noticed his fly was tail heavy and drifting with the head toward the surface. When he ties his bugs for indi fishing he will move the lead wraps toward the tail of the fly which makes it look like it's trying to emerge.

Once the wraps are in place I'll ramp the lead on both ends and tie in my tails. In this case I'm using fibbets. This would also be the time to add ribbing wire if so desired. I find it not only adds a little flash, but also makes the fly more durable.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/AP_fibbets.jpg

Wax your thread and add the finer dubbing for the abdomen.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/AP_dubbing.jpg

Wrap your wire forward and tie it off.

For the thorax I like to use a dubbing loop. It does a better job of trapping the guard hairs. If one prefers to use wingcases, it should be added at this point.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/AP_dubbing_loop.jpg

Once the loop is tight manipulate the dubbing noodle between your fingers with a little moisture (spit...LOL) and remove the wild hairs.

Bring the loop forward while brushing the material toward the rear of the fly.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/medium/AP_thorax.jpg

Stroke the fibers away from the eye and whip finish

Some of my nymphs are left somewhat bushy, but I opted to trim this one for a sleeker profile

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/552/All_purpose_nymph.jpg

[Huron River Dan]

I'm sure it'll help some of the newbies...

Dan

[Brown duck]

I guess I have been doing it right! Good idea - perhaps in the future we should post tying tricks with pics - I took pics of my wire-bodied fly that I made up for the swap, perhaps I should post them sometime.

[fowl assasination]

good job, now we need some hex patterns, i have been searching the web and trying new things and i just cant find one that is quick enough to tie a couple dozen and still look good.:confused:

[Shoeman]

I took pics of my wire-bodied fly that I made up for the swap, perhaps I should post them sometime.

That would be great. That sure is a unique tie!

Fowl, I might just have one that works quite well and ties up pretty quick.

[steelslam]

ive just started tying up a few flys using a dubbing loop. that sure makes a better looking fly body. an does let more of the guard hairs stand out.....a buggier looking body i think.

[DHise]

Nice.

[Pork Chop]

Nice job with the photo sequence. I wish I had some of the great fly tying aids we have on the web when I started tying 40 years ago.

[Hamilton Reef]

Seeing we have quite a few new tyers on board I figured maybe we should do a few step-by-step patterns.
Thanks for the very nice job of step photos and instructions. I love these how-to threads.

[Shoeman]

ive just started tying up a few flys using a dubbing loop. that sure makes a better looking fly body. an does let more of the guard hairs stand out.....a buggier looking body i think.


And more durable than your basic "touch" dubbing, even without ribbing