Bodkin / Patterns

Bloom's Zirdle

Nymph · Streamer · Trout · Smallmouth Bass · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

• Hook 3XL nymph/streamer hook, 4-12
• Thread To match or contrast body 6/0

Materials

• Weight Lead or lead-free wire (.015-.035) (as needed)
• Tail Krystal Flash over a marabou/zonker tuft (short)
• Body Brindle or variegated chenille (1 length)
• Legs Medium round rubber legs (3 pairs)

How to tie it

1. Wrap a lead underbody over the middle of the shank to sink the fly and give it a jigging action.
2. Tie in a short tail of Krystal Flash (and a small zonker/marabou tuft if desired) at the bend, a nod to the fly's Zonker/Girdle Bug parentage.
3. Tie in the variegated chenille and a set of rubber legs; wrap the chenille forward, stopping to bind in rubber legs at three points along the body (front, middle, rear).
4. Splay the legs to the sides and secure the chenille behind the eye.
5. Whip finish and cement.

Tying videos

• Bloom's Zirdle — Charlie's Fly Box (YouTube)
• Bloom's Zirdle — Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing (YouTube)
• Bloom's Zirdle — Smitty's Monthly Fly Box (YouTube)

← All fly patterns