Realistic Stonefly Nymph Wing Buds & Back

“…They produce a range of printed nymph backs and wing buds along with matching silicone rubber legs for tying semi-realistic stonefly nymphs. The backs and buds are pre cut from waterproof, UV resistant material with a self-adhesive backing, and come  printed with realistic stonefly nymph colouration. The matching legs are molded from silicone rubber, soft enough to provide any resistance to the fish but still resilient enough to handle any rough and tumble of a mountain stream and the teeth of its occupants.

These components are available in three sizes – small, medium and large – and in a range of colors covering everything from pale yellow through to black.

For a simple semi-realistic nymph, start by adding some weight to the hook shank and laying down a base of thread; finish with a couple of turns of thread to form a small lump as this helps the goose biots splay out when tied down against it. Tie in the goose biots to represent the tail cerci and add a length of clear monofilament. Measure where your set of legs will sit and tie in the back end before dubbing the rear of the fly. Place a nymph back over the dubbing and rib over with the monofilament to hold it down: although the backing is self adhesive, in reality it is not strong enough to stay in place by itself.

Add a couple more biots, one either side of the hook to represent antennae, then the matching nymph bud is tied upside down and facing forward over the hook eye ready to be folded back later.

Dub a plump body and bring the legs forward underneath and tie off behind the hook eye. Finally the wing bud is folded back over the top and secured with several wraps behind the head section and first pair of legs, before a whip finish behind the second section and second pair of legs.

Printed body parts and rubber legs may not be everyone’s idea of traditional fly tying materials, but the end result is hard to argue with. At the very least you have a talking point when others sneak a peak into your fly box, and it gives you another useful option when the trout in your favourite stream refuses to play ball.”

Review by Peter Watson
Watson’s Fancy, Fly Life Magazine (AU), Issue 70, Summer 2013

Read the full article and Peter’s stonefly nymph recipe here.