Bodkin / Patterns

Isonychia Nymph

Nymph · Trout · Advanced · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Standard nymph, 2x long, 10-14
  • Thread Dark brown 6/0

Materials

  • Tail Dark brown goose biots (2, forked)
  • Body Dark mahogany dubbing (robust)
  • Rib Fine gold wire (5 inches)
  • Wingcase Dark turkey tail (folded over)
  • Legs Dark brown hen hackle (sparse)
  • Bead Tungsten bead (1)

How to tie it

  1. Slide a tungsten bead onto the 2x long hook. These are big nymphs and need a longer shank.
  2. Tie in two dark brown goose biots at the bend, splayed to form a forked tail. Each biot should extend about half a shank length.
  3. Tie in 5 inches of gold wire at the bend for the rib.
  4. Dub a robust dark mahogany body forward to the 70% mark. Build a noticeable taper, thinner at the tail, wider at the thorax. Isonychia nymphs are big, muscular swimmers, so the body should be full, not sparse.
  5. Counter-wrap the gold wire rib in 6-7 evenly spaced turns.
  6. Tie in a slip of dark turkey tail for the wingcase, pointing rearward. Dub the thorax slightly wider than the body.
  7. Fold the wingcase forward and tie down. Add 1-2 wraps of sparse dark brown hen hackle for legs, sweep them back.
  8. Whip finish behind the bead.

Tying videos

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