Bodkin / Patterns

Kaufmann Stonefly Nymph

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook 3XL-4XL nymph/streamer hook, 4-10
  • Thread Black 6/0

Materials

  • Lead wire Natural lead wire (flattened underbody)
  • Goose biots Black goose biots (2 tail + 2 antennae)
  • Kaufmann's stonefly dubbing blend Black (with amber/rust/claret flecks) (abdomen and thorax)
  • Turkey tail, mottled dark Dark brown turkey tail mottled (3 sections (wing cases))
  • Copper wire or V-rib Copper/clear fine wire or mono (1 (optional abdomen rib))

How to tie it

  1. Wrap and then flatten a lead underbody top and bottom so the nymph rides low and wide like a real stonefly; cover with thread.
  2. Tie in two black goose biots at the bend, splayed into a wide V-tail about a hook-gap long.
  3. Optionally add a copper-wire rib, then dub a shaggy black stonefly-blend abdomen over the rear 60%; counter-rib in 5-6 turns if used and tie off.
  4. Build the thorax with three stacked turkey wing cases: dub a short segment, fold a dark mottled turkey section over the top pointing back, and repeat twice more moving forward. The triple wing case is the pattern's hallmark.
  5. Ahead of the front wing case, tie in two black biots off the eye as forward-splayed antennae.
  6. Dub a small head between the antennae and whip finish.
  7. Pick the thorax sides out with a bodkin for leggy movement and cement the head.

Tying videos

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