Fly Tying - My Most Productive Nymph Pattern and How To Tie It

Here's the fly tying vice I use: amzn.to/1AiEMmk
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/ davidspassage
/ davidspassage
In this video I tie one of my favorite nymph patterns. It's loosely based off of a bead-head prince nymph, but has a couple of features that I really love. This How-To video will take you through the process of tying this fly pattern. This is one of those fly patterns that does not necessarily mimic any particular hatch, which is why it might just be so effective. Last year I caught a master angler bluegill with this pattern. I have also caught trout, crappie, perch, sunfish, redear, pumpkinseed, and even bass with this design. There's not a lot to it, so if you are into fly fishing or fly tying, I highly recommend this pattern. Because trout season starts this Saturday I am stocking up myself. Also, for the life of me I can't think of a name for this bugger, so please feel free to leave any name suggestions you may have in the comments section below. Enjoy! :-)
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Also / davidspassage

[@seanmooney3907]

I agree with you. I have also borrowed a book from the library called tying flies with household items. There are some great patterns in there. I enjoyed your video and like the fact that you are a tier without the "stuff" if I hadn't started tying with my church group that sponsored a fly tying for beginners class, I would have missed the whole thing. I am an avid spin cast fisherman for the sunfish, but now I am going fly fishing too. Thanks and take care Sean

[@marcustullis245]

I am currently the president of North Georgia Trout Online (ngto.org). I really like your ideas on tying flies that will attract trout even though the "recipes" aren't exactly standard. Ugly flies made up with some thought about how to use the materials you have on hand have always been more productive for me. The way you use your dubbing, ribbing, and biots is very similar to what I do, and I can attest to the fact that such flies works very well. Thanks for a great tutorial. Ya done good!

[@big.ronwisconsin9598]

I just got my new fly tying kit and im eager to get started im disabled so im hoping this will be a past time i can get good at i wanted to say i think your videos are just awesome and you are truley a artist at this

[@davidspassage]

Thanks!

[@rorymaclean8051]

great fly, been having a lot of luck with the trout using it. Love your attitude towards the fly tying though, I'm a huge advocate of 'poor man's fly tying' - I can get pretty fed up with the endless list of different threads and expensive materials, so its a relief to see some realistic approaches. Keep it up

[@joshtaylor4285]

Same! Ive use so many different things instead of always buy fly tying specific stuff.

[@kogabear1]

Nice, easy, fun fly to tie. The possible combination of materials and angle of the boits for different action will make it a classic. I'm not sure why the negative comments other then people forget it's not the fly but the tie. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidspassage]

+Doug Marsh This is still my go-to fly in almost any condition. Thanks for watching :-)

[@seanmooney3907]

Thanks for sharing, This fly is actually in the book 101 Go to flys. It is named North Fork Special. It is done in black dubbing with a gold bead head and goose biots on both ends. Since it is a favorite of the pro's I am not surprised it is productive. You tie yours with much more dubbing. Frankly it was enough for three of my regular, but I am going to tie one like yours. Since I believe, if I were a fish, I would want the fatter bugs. I am quite round myself! ;D Thanks for sharing.

[@joe_tarantowski]

Really like the fly . . . I use all types of materials, threads, tinsel, wire, etc. I was at a fly tying expo this weekend, (I'm a new tier), and I was impressed with the idea that there is not a right way to tie a fly unless you are trying to make a traditional fly.

[@johnshand6176]

A very simple but effective tie which worked well on the Tongariro River, New Zealand. Thanks!

[@scottw.nelson3003]

Part of the success of this dressing is its visibility. The white goose biots have a natural fluoresce in the UV spectrum so that the fly can be seen at greater distances or other low light conditions.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

dont let the fly snobs get you down...it is about catching fish and having fun. I'm going to go tie one right now....looks good.

[@Erogon1000]

I like your fly, a simalar one that I tie works well on chalk streams over here in thesouth of England. I watched your dacota fire hole video, and you said to comment but they where disabled. Just wanted to say you are right about it being a low smoke producing fire, UK forces where taugh about a very simalar method in malaya when evading capture.

[@ArkRed1]

Nice fly. For those who have trouble fixing the biots correctly, I prepare the biots before hand by crossing them, and adding a tiny amount of CA glue. I make up about a dozen or so in different lengths and sizes. That way I don't mess up the biots putting them on when tying the fly. When you're all thumbs like I am you use any trick in the book. The easy way is the right way.

[@bornhunter2885]

GREEN WEENIE SMASHER!

[@michaelgibbs9691]

Good video and a good tie, as was stated by another viewer, good camera work that was in focus, and good clear audio that was easy to understand. BTW, although it is most common to place beads with the small hole toward the eye of the hook, there is no 'rule' that is must be done this way. It it works, it works. It's your fly, you can tie it any way you want. Period. What kind of thread is that? I like the fuzziness on it, almost looks like dubbing.

[@CWO4D]

Hey David....The Fly Worked!! I fished the fly today on my local lake a caught a about a two pound bass. I tied it as my second dropper to a red/black Wooly Bugger..thanks for the pattern...

[@Dentspeed]

I used your fly tied with brown biots. Really works well! Bass really like it and trout. Thanks for posting.

[@davidspassage]

Dentspeed I get a lot of bass with it also.

[@sarahsuh1872]

Use this fly and I caught crappie and trout. Thanks flu and easy to make.

[@davidspassage]

Sarah Gilbert Sweet! I catch a lot of crappie with this in my area too.

[@scotsmaninthephilippines1659]

Nothing for a few years on your channel? I was actually looking forwards to seeing more fly tying videos. One thing I would suggest if you are tying with sewing threads is the application of wax, bees wax is fine but fly tying wax is pretty cheap and one purchase will last forever. I liked this video especially as I have very similar flies in one of my fly boxes which came with a job lot on eBay and I'm going through them, so now I'll tie some

[@davidspassage]

I'll have to look into that. I have some "bona fide" fly thread that I purchased on sale, but it would regularly snap without pulling very hard on it. It also did a lousy job of holding flys together. I have never had a problem with this thread other that head build-up.

[@eternalfire9009]

So, in 2018, geting ready to see how this fly works over here in Creswell, OR. Just tyied this fly as you showed it. We shall see.

[@sawzall2ca]

I think I will ty a couple of those up tomorrow and try them this spring here in NB, Canada for trout!!

[@sawzall2ca]

P.S. - I couldn't agree with you more ... fly tying doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg!

[@mannyromero7451]

just wanted to say thanks I tied that fly in olive and red really works great hope you have more videos thanks for that video

[@davidspassage]

Glad it worked for you. What were you fishing for? I use these for a lot of pan fish varieties as well as bass.

[@christopherhelm5495]

Gel spun thread comes in several deniers. It is available in 50, 55, 75, 100, 130, and 200 denier. Each has it appropriate applications. For larger bass bugs 130 denier is the optimal size. For small hair trout flies such as Goddard Caddis, smaller bombers, hair wing trout flies, etc. the 50 or 55 denier is ideal.

[@johndonnelly1386]

David's doublewing greenie.🤓

[@jamesmccreery250]

I used that vise for 20 plus years!

[@CWO4D]

I plan to try the couple flies i tied today...I'll let you know after i fish them on my local lake

[@TheBradRoppe]

I agree with tattoo1939... Snockrocket cracks me up. Looks tasty! Going to tie some up today. Be back with the results!

[@PRACERZ]

HEY, if it works, it works ! I am pretty sure fish don't hold out for a named fly presentation ! Give it a fun name and get people using it ! Ty and test, it opens new opportunities ! Thanks for the vid, greatly appreciated !

[@jacobmather2557]

Nice fly, my farther taught me how to tie flys and he showed me this one or very similar! Do brilliant for grayling and trout here in England!

[@scotsmaninthephilippines1659]

Neat tie, I too use sewing thread for certain patterns but I apply some wax to the thread to make it hold better and last a bit longer. Thanks for the video

[@davidspassage]

Yeah, I'll be the first to admit that I am by no means a fly tying expert. This is just a pattern I have had tremendous luck with over the years. As far as the thread, it is simple clothing thread. I have found it to be very durable and grips materials better than many bona fide fly-tying threads out there. It's also very cheap, and has a dubbing quality to it that is nice.

[@tomdobbs8205]

So Dave, I tied one up using a #14 Firehole 633, 7/64 Faceted Tungsten Bead, UTC140 Fl Orange thread, Sulfer Orange Biots, and Peacock Ice Dub.

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

It looks interesting! I will definitely give it a chance.

[@chelseadean41]

I tie these all the time but use brown biots instead of white. Killer pattern for rainbows browns and where im from steelies. Great job. You can also use some biots or light soft hackle for legs too. Tight lines!

[@tgwoolshire]

that's a really nice looking fly I've got one I made up a little different than that and I've caught the heck of trout on it great job and thanks

[@tayst666]

Ronald I like your presentation. Nice pattern. I shall try it

[@flytyingsteve]

Dave, great looking fly thanks for sharing.

[@ivanwilliams7679]

I have been tying flies for a few years and one of my best materials especially for nymphs is black or brown bear hair. Makes all flies look buggy but it's hard to get. I mix mine with lightning dubbing

[@buckmeyer8119]

This is similar to a psycho prince nymph and you could call it an attractor pattern. No doubt it's a great pattern. I catch tons of trout on this pattern in Colorado in a variety of colors, although purple uv ice dub seems to be my favorite.

[@Casey_Ezaziel]

The David Winged Nymph

[@BacalaoBrad]

It's still a great looking fly , i will definitely try the pattern out , i think you're on to something ...... tight lines !!

[@davidspassage]

Yes! Although I mostly fish for panfish with it. Where I am at there are not a lot of trout streams.

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

I enjoyed the pattern. I am just getting into Tenkara its simple, easy, flys catch fish!!!!

[@ArkRed1]

Nice fly. I'm going to tie one and try it on our Ozark mountain streams and see if the rainbow or brown will take it. I'll let you know.

[@davidspassage]

Not yet. I do need to tie a ton of these for the upcoming season though :-)

[@davidspassage]

I haven't. In my area, this color combo works great on bluegill and crappie. Also, using black biots with yellow dubbing and black thread is a killer. I've probably caught 100-150 fish this year with this pattern, and I can usually catch around 50 before the fly gets tore up from abuse.

[@johnhansen8272]

You have a trout season? How odd. Solid video and a good pattern for catching fish.

[@awalt26439]

Hello David: Isn't wonderful there are still fish to be caught, apparently all over this world when one considers the kind of stuff they snap at for food. That goes for the creation coming off your vise as much as for the traditional patterns like the prince or the pheasant tail nymph. Hopefully your nymph catches on and will be used by generations of anglers yet to be born.

[@paulus0109]

Looks like a pretty caching fly! Gonna try it. Thnx.

[@davidspassage]

yeah, this was my first fly tying video, and besides the horrible camera work on my part, I think I was a bit nervous as well :) Hopefully I can improve my skills and continue passing along the stuff I learn in the process.

[@Kevskiok]

Thanks David am going to start making rather than buying. I will be making a few of my own patterns (some deliberate some not so deliberate). Put your own name on it a DPtrout tickler. I will be coming up with a few to follow my name. Thanks, am encouraged now to give it a go. If they work they work. Nice to catch on your own pattern, am looking forward to catching my first on my own pattern.

[@davidspassage]

Sweet! I'll have to try it out there some time. I can't tell you how many fish I catch on one of these. Anything from bluegill to bass, trout and everything in-between. The only thing I haven't caught on it are pike and muskies :-)

[@troygarner5353]

I've made something close to that but not quite it exactly

[@robertfernandez4516]

thanks for the video. Just getting into fly fishing. Did you ever come up with a name for it?

[@Podobed]

okay, was just checking. clearly this is a nice pattern. i think black would kill early spring. have you used any uv colors with this? uv black, or uv purple would be great.

[@btoutdoors7663]

Have you ever tried fishing this in the black dubbing? Also, I have never seen anyone tie a fly with sewing thread. Pretty Cool!

[@davidspassage]

BT Outdoors Yes! And it works great too! The sewing thread is cheaper and tends to take a bit more abuse.

[@POWARENJA]

Dude this tie rocks and the video rocks! Fuck those other guys. Quality is good, you can actually see what you're doing, hear what you're saying. You're not stuttering, and your telling us what you're using. Great video, its a shame you dont have any more though.

[@mannyromero7451]

yes I live nm and the trout really love that fly

[@davidspassage]

cool, thanks! I know that hard core fly fisherman have specific flies that will work in specific areas. It's great to know this fly can work in some other areas outside of Michigan lakes and rivers.

[@Matrimoney]

Good tie, don't let people get you down.

[@GregNaturalImpaktJones]

Thanks enjoyed watching,

[@mswmsn]

How do you present this fly to blue gill and bass? Nice video, I like your approach.

[@davidspassage]

What is rod wrapping thread? Never heard of it. Is it the kind they use to make fly rods with?

[@seanmooney3907]

Hey how about flying Goose Moose. It is messy like a moose, has goose biots that make the fly move well then it can be "green goose moose, or brown goose moose" Well what do you think?? I sometimes use sewing thread if I need a color I don't have for a fly. It is expensive to buy like you said so I raid my wife's sewing box and if I get caught she just buys another spool for herself and it still costs little.

[@davidspassage]

I'll be honest in that probably 75-85%+ of my fly fishing is with a nymph pattern of some sort. I have far better luck with them. It is exciting though to actually see the fish bite from time to time :-)

[@davidspassage]

@beckbuilder Lol, I won't :) I will admit that it was my first time tying on video and I was a bit nervous. Thanks for the encouragement :)

[@andand1219]

its like a caddis with tail and wings

[@harveyheath9608]

i'd call it the green glider!

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks for sharing. Very simple and creative. What rivers are you using this on in Michigan?

[@davidspassage]

The Weekly Fly I've used this on the Pine, AuSable, Kalamazoo, St. Joe, and have had good luck with it. It's amazing for panfish fishing as well on lakes.

[@davidspassage]

In all actuality, I very much prefer it to some of the "bona fide" tying threads out there. I can crank down on it much harder and get a longer lasting pattern for some reason it seems.

[@chrisbaumbach8286]

David to stop the bead from moving, start and add a little more thread build up at the beginning near the eye. When you slide the bead up the shank it will stay in place.

[@davidspassage]

Chris Baumbach Thanks for the tip :-)

[@georgecigar9822]

David this fly is called ons i learned about it from old timer here in nj but nice tie

[@anthonyburkhart2051]

good video dude you didnt go too fast like most people and youre not using like top of the line shits so it shows everyone you dont gotta have the premium stuff to tie hell ya

[@EandLfishing]

I was curious how you fish this fly.Fly rod or spinning gear?Especially when using for bluegills and bass.

[@mannyromero7451]

just wanted to say thanks again went fishing used a red one and had fun and I sold 2 of them for 2 dollars each it was nice when someone wants them to.

[@davidspassage]

Cool! This is still my top fly for most waters, especially lakes for pan fish.

[@nhoutdoorss]

awesome fly, and i am also in Michigan, have you happen to ever fish the gun river?

[@davidspassage]

No, where is that?

[@telecoustic]

Great Vid! Great job tying.

[@davidspassage]

That is just simple sewing thread my friend :). I know I'm probably violating some fly-tying code of conduct, but I actually like using simple sewing thread more than the "bonafide" fly-tying thread I have. It lasts longer and will handle much more tension in the windings. Maybe I just bought bad fly thread :)

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

Nice job and what type of the Flies would you recommend for spring fly fishing? I'm just trying to channel big thumbs up to you

[@larryglatt2548]

Good vid. A list of materials would be helpful; one that we could copy from. Thank you

[@CWO4D]

David....Great Vid...I enjoyed it and will try to make one soon...to use in the SOCAL areas...Looks killer... (-:

[@davidspassage]

CWO4D Let me know how it catches. I'm hearing a lot of reports fro all over that this fly is a winner for all kinds of fish.

[@Podobed]

did you put the bead on backwards, or was it intentional? if it was intentional what is the reason? if it is not put on backwards like it appears, ignore it.

[@mannyromero7451]

was fishing for trout caught and released about 30 fish thanks again

[@davidspassage]

wow! Great catch! I honestly don't know that I could throw that many back. I'd have to eat at least one of them :-)

[@marksleeper3752]

David do you have the material list for this fly ,hook and size ,bead and size thanks Mark

[@98dfree]

Did you check out that GSP Thread?

[@davidspassage]

Yes! One thing that I find annoying about much of the fly fishing community/knowledge is that it is generally geared toward people who have money to burn on all this stuff. There's a sort of "high-falutin" aura about much of what's out there in the world of fly fishing. In a lot of ways I think it prevents folks who would like to try it from getting out there and trying it. Many of the best flies I've seen were made with common man products folks has lying around the house.

[@jtag5432]

Where do you fish in Michigan? I live in Frankenmuth and I'm just getting into fly fishing!

[@davidspassage]

+Jack Tagget I mostly fish in southern Michigan since that's where I live, but once a year I get up to the AuSable for some trout fishing.

[@goodnutt2000]

You could make your way down to the Huron river. It would be a little long. Paint creek too but the river running through Frankenmuth I have seen people fishing in so do some research on that river or look on a map and see what you can find. Might be able to find a secret hot spot

[@dongil123]

Nice tying man! Do you think this pattern would work in the north of scotland? plus could you tell me what the difference is between dry dubbing and say regular dub anyway thanks for the vid mike.

[@dparacca]

Dry fly dubbing packs tighter to the thread than say rabbit dubbing do it doesn't absorb water as much and floats better. That's about it

[@nushking]

I tie my own flys and I like all the nymphs

[@98dfree]

Thread isn't that expensive like 1 $ and it works 1000X better. Also you will catch many more trout if you tie them in smaller sizes like a size 18 and if you skimp on the beed, more realistic. But in general, nice job for a beginner tier good luck honing your skills

[@BacalaoBrad]

beadhead is in backwards , but a good looking fly

[@darrylhalcomb1182]

nice video ,I think the gills and bass will eat here maybe ever a walleye !! If it does as well for me I will call it the viper bug,because fish will be eatin LOL

[@colinchatman971]

The shaggy green

[@jackbrown3593]

What size hook should be used?

[@EnriqueSantiagofly]

Nice insect, Thanks.

[@redchaos71]

So are you using regular sewing thread?

[@davidspassage]

Yes I am! I actually prefer it for this fly.

[@mikehuntsmels9680]

ive always used sewing thread too its good but like everything it has good sides and bad sides, of of the bad sides is that its kind of big

[@fishermansguide9227]

You should call it the scuff nimph because the way the dubbing is tied on looks so scuffed up. And love the video and fly man.. .

[@jacobhansen7524]

Electric price nymph would be a good name

[@SuperFourwinns]

nice looklng fly.

[@davidspassage]

thanks :-)

[@98dfree]

If you want stronger thread, get GSP or gel spun thread ,it will build up half as quickly and literally, if you pull hard enough, it will snap your hook before it breaks it self. Notice how the thread your using here doesn't hold dubbing tightly and it makes a massive ugly thread spot where you whip finish.

[@davidspassage]

Thanks mate :)