In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, Cheech with Fly Fish Food is once again tying up a pattern that should be in every stillwater anglers’ box, the Simple Damsel Nymph.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
When it comes to stillwater fishing, damsel nymphs are a must-have. This can be a great way to change pace during the summer months from rivers or saltwater and will offer shots at larger trout. Stillwaters often produce the largest trout and no angler should snub their nose at the opportunity to experience it. Leech patterns and midges will always be a staple in stillwater fishing, but this Simple Damsel Nymph is another that should never be left in the car.
On the simplicity scale, this fly is as basic as it gets. With the two materials being rib and marabou, this is a pattern that can be whipped up in no time and tied in several different color and weight combinations. Novice tiers should turn to this pattern when wanting to increase skill, as this is the foundation for most leech flies. For a Simple Damsel Nymph, tying this pattern will result in fish caught and skills increased on the vise.
Fishing this fly on midge tip, hover, or intermediate line is what Cheech has recommended, and we couldn’t agree more. There’s a reason so many anglers are obsessed with stillwaters, and if you haven’t tried them out this might be the time to. Be equipped with several leech, midge, and damsel nymph imitations, but know you are in good hands with a variety of Simple Damsel Nymph’s.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Fulling Mill 35105 Competition Heavyweight Hook Barbless – 10
- Bead: Firehole Stones Neon Matte Tungsten Beads – 3.0mm (1/8″) – Chartreuse
- Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread – 12/0 – Fl. Yellow
- Thread (Alternate): UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier – Fl. Yellow
- Tail/Body: Fine Black Barred Marabou – Olive
- Rib: Midge Stretch Rib – Olive
Now you know how to tie a Simple Damsel Nymph!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.
