Fly Tying Videos: How to Tie Flies for Freshwater and Saltwater: stonefly

This perfect little nymph is the imitation of every mayfly that ever lived. This fly can be tied big or small and colored to match the hatch. No trout in his right mind can let this tasty bite pass by!

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Watch how to tie this fly:

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Materials List:

I suggest using a strong hook for tying a Hair's Ear Nymph. I prefer the Tiemco 3761 for all my nymph flies.

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Any dark thread will work for tying this nymph pattern. I suggest using a medium strength thread, like brown 3/0 or 6/0.

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I like to use copper wire for ribbing on all of my nymphs. You can use any color rib for the Hair's Ear, I usually go with red, copper or gold. I also suggest using small or extra small wire.

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I use Pheasant Tail for the tail and wing case of this Hair's Ear Nymph Pattern.

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The dubbing used for this fly is primarily made from a hair's mask and is thickened with a blend of died brown body hair. Hair's ear dubbing can be colored to match the hatch.

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Step By Step: How to tie a Hair's Ear Nymph

Start a hook with dark thread

Tie in a clump of pheasant for the tail, leave pheasant uncut

Add copper wire for the rib

Work a small amount of dubbing to the middle of the hook, for the abdomen of the fly

Counter wrap the copper forward

Now tie the uncut pheasant back for the wing case

Build the thorax of the fly with a little bit of dubbing

Pull the wing case forward and tie it off with a few whip finishes

Now go set the hook like crazy!

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The rivers in Colorado are loaded with bugs that look like the Hair's Ear Nymph. Trout can't help themselves when they get the chance to eat this fly. If you are interested in catching all kinds of fish with Hair's Ears, consider fly fishing around Aspen, CO. Go to http://www.aspenflyfishing.com for info and top fishing guides to take you there.

"How to tie a

Hair's Ear Nymph"

By Capt Matt Thomas

Stonefly nymphs are perhaps the most exciting food in a trout's diet. This perfect Stonefly Pattern is just right for matching the hatch and tying them is almost as exciting as feeding them to the fish! This weighted nymph is very easy to tie and can be made to imitate all of the stoneflies that crawl around the rocks where you live and fish.

(Click here to learn a little more about Stonefly Nymphs)

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Watch how to tie this fly:

~Click on any image to enlarge~

Materials List:

I use strong hooks with my stoneflies, you never know what might eat it! I usually tie this stonefly pattern with a #4, #6 or #8 Stonefly Hook

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I also wrap my hooks with a little lead wire for added weight. I use sizes .020, .025, or .030.

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The body of this fly is wrapped in Chenille. I prefer brown colors, but a little creativity and experimentation can catch a lot more fish.
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What good Stonefly Pattern is good without rubber legs?! I in this fly tying video I used legs that had the most natural colors.
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This Stonefly is meant to imitate a Golden Stone. You can use any color, I like to use browns, blacks, and oranges for my Stoneflies.
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Finally, I use a bit of glue to seal the fly and make it last for many, many bites.

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Step By Step: How to tie a Stonefly Nymph

First, shape your hook like this...

Then, wrap it with lead wire

Tie on thread to the top of the bend

Now add tails

And chenille

Work forward and tie in three sets of legs

And finish this step by tying in the antenna

Now wrap the chenille forward to the eye

Trim and whip finish

(Preliminary side view)

Use a permanent marker to "perfect" the stonefly

(underside)

Finish with a top coat of super glue

Enjoy your Perfect Stonefly Nymph!

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Stonefly nymphs are one of my favorite flies to use on the Colorado River all year long. To book a float using big stones on the Colorado River, contact Fly Fishing Guide Capt Matt or http://www.aspenflyfishing.com

"How to tie a Perfect Stonefly Nymph"
by Capt. Matt Thomas