Bodkin / Patterns

3D Glass

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Curved scud/buzzer hook, 10-16
  • Thread Black, olive or red to match 8/0

Materials

  • Bead Glass bead (1)
  • Body Colored tying thread or floss (wrapped)
  • Rib Fine pearl/silver wire or flashy tinsel (1)
  • Gills White antron or poly yarn tuft (small)
  • Coating UV/epoxy resin over body (as needed)

How to tie it

  1. Slide a glass bead to the eye and start thread at the bend; tie in fine wire for the rib.
  2. Build a smooth, pencil-thin abdomen of colored thread or floss forward to the front third to keep the natural chironomid-pupa profile.
  3. Counter-rib with the wire in 5-7 evenly spaced turns for a subtle flashy segmentation.
  4. Coat the body with UV or epoxy resin and cure for the durable, glassy 3D look that also helps it sink fast.
  5. Tie in a short tuft of white antron behind the bead to imitate the pupa's white breathing gills.
  6. Whip finish behind the bead and cement.

Tying videos

← All fly patterns