Fly Tying the Destroyer Nymph - Jim Quick (Forgotten) Fly Patterns

From Jim Quick's 1960 "Fishing the Nymph" the Destroyer Nymph would be considered a general searching nymph pattern today.
This book is sometimes available on Amazon at: amzn.to/2MevN2n
Other sources are Ebay or any of the large used book sellers.
Hook: #10-16 nymph
Thread: Black
Tail: Javalina or wild boar (or substiture)
Rib: Gold wire
Body: Orange yarn
Wingcase: Peacock herl
Hackle: Grizzly dyed yellow
** Some of the other popular books used here: **
Dave Hughes, "Essential Trout Flies," 2017, amzn.to/3lbCZYX
David Klausmeyer's "Favorite Flies," 2020, amzn.to/3oeSNMa
Fly Pattern Encyclopedia: amzn.to/34U0rUe
Mike Valla's "Tying the Founding Flies," 2015, amzn.to/354oSir
Randal Scott Stetzer's "Flies, the Best One Thousand," 1992, amzn.to/34Q15mp
Savage Flies is a project with the mission of encouraging and teaching fly tying to as many people as possible. The channel is named after one of my western Maryland homewaters, the Savage River. I've been uploading at least three new videos a week (usually Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday).
Thanks for stopping by. Please let me know in the comments if you have any tying tips you would like to share or if you have any patterns you would like to see tied here.

[@HooliganBrew]

Matt - As someone very new to fly tying I really appreciate your enthusiasm and clear instructions! This video is especially cool as you brought something from the past back to life! Because of you, I am getting so good at tying and am so excited to try my various flies this Spring! I like simplicity and efficiency, and last summer I purchased a tenkara rod. I am working hard to understand what flies work at what times. I will be trying the various western flies I learn on your channel with my tenkara rod. We’ll see what happens!

[@SavageFlies]

Art, thank you so much for the kind words! It's always great to see someone getting into fly tying. It really can be a fun and rewarding hobby. I've never fished Tenkara but I do often tight-line with nothing but a little bit of fly line out and all leader, so very similar. Keep tying and good luck with all your new flies! Cheers. -Matt

[@jeffreystone7327]

Pretty cool fly. At the 5:55 mark it looks like it belongs next to the Rubber Rabbit Fly. Looked like a carrot 🥕 there until you pulled the wing case forward. Really like the looks of this one. Great video. Thank you Matt.

[@bigdaddy99929]

Very neat colorful nymph! I’ll get to tying a few ASAP. Thx Matt🙂

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Clyde! Give it a try with some other colors too. I'd love to hear how it works. :-)

[@marksleeper3752]

Wow great looking fly Kudos

[@davehall2160]

That is a cool looking fly Matt And a cool name Thanks for the video

[@SavageFlies]

Appreciate it Dave; thanks for watching!

[@larryhudgins6988]

Very good looking fly Matt. You are a true master of the craft.

[@SavageFlies]

Wow, thanks Larry! I feel like a rank amateur most of the time. :-)

[@laytonmarvin3790]

Cool pattern, will have to tie a few to try. Thanks Matt for sharing

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Layton; appreciate it man!

[@johnwalker6603]

Great color contrasts in this fly, another great video, thanks Matt!

[@SavageFlies]

Appreciate it John!

[@dennisfretz1814]

Looks like a cool pattern, gonna give it a try , and add some to my box . Thanks Matt as always a great tutorial . Tight lines Denny

[@SavageFlies]

I appreciate that Denny! And if I recall, this was a fun one to research and tie. :-)

[@harryjoesather6539]

LEARNED SOMETHING NEW TODAY...NEVER SEEN ANYTHING DONE WITH JAVALINA OR WILD BOAR.....COOL THANKS MATT....AND AS ALWAYS I WILL BE WATCHING....SEE YA JOE..

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Joe! We're looking at a COLD weekend here in Maryland. Stay safe up there my friend. :-)

[@harryjoesather6539]

@@SavageFlies thanks matt will do you also..

[@edwardthornton1031]

Nice looking fly. It looks like it will catch a lot of fish. Great job Matt thank you.

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Butch! I think I'm going to toss this guy for some bluegill on some of my warm water ponds this year too. :-)

[@huntingmissouri5420]

Good looking bug Matt!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Franky! Have a great weekend my friend. :-)

[@mikeney5113]

Very cool looking pattern matt.gunna tie me up few for my box.thanks for sharing!!

[@SavageFlies]

Appreciate it Mike; and thanks for watching!

[@peteyarrington582]

Cool! Almost a Fire Tiger patterned nymph.

[@SavageFlies]

Yeah, it really is! I'd never heard of a Fire Tiger but just looked... a pretty cool looking saltwater minnow. And BTW, I got everything I need for the cicadas (minus the Loctite). I'm going to try this thing this weekend. And nice article on the PT this week (I love the emerger.) Thanks again for the shoutout. Question- what the heck is that stonefly looking Copper John on the bottom of page 6 next to your article? Did you notice that one?

[@peteyarrington582]

@@SavageFlies Fire tiger is also a good color for smallmouth crankbaits. I have tried incorporating it in streamer flies but I need to keep at it. We'll see. Good luck with the cicadas! I followed Jay Sheppard's directions pretty carefully the first couple I tied, and after that they go really quick. Proportion, proportion. On the adhesive - I assume there are other kinds that work, but the only thing I found that worked was the Loctite contact adhesive Jay pointed to. The lesson I am learning is that if it doesn't say it works for porous materials/foam etc, it doesn't! The stonefly image in the Conservationist after my article is not familiar to me. But there are so many stonefly creations out there...

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

Matt, this is incredible to pull out an obscure Nymph by Jim Quick. This was my first book for learning the basic stream life cycle and to tie up a nymph. I never tied this one. It has got to be a fish catcher and it has its own unique quality. My favorite fish colors: Yellow, Black, Green, and Gold. Now I know why Partridge and Orange are so popular. This "Destroyer Nymph" means it is a serious Trout Catcher. Thanks again. PS: I just found some old Yellow Grizzly Hackle now I can tie it up.

[@SavageFlies]

That's awesome Jim, and thank YOU for bringing this book to my attention. There are a bunch in it I want to try but the biggest challenge is still going to be trying to figure out what they should really look like from these old drawings. But that's also part of the fun. :-)

[@chipblanton753]

I like that pattern ! I think I’ll tie some up . Thanks

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Chip! Always appreciate you watching my friend. :-)

[@leemowers9395]

Rather different look, almost crayfish like color for the body. Thanks Matt.

[@SavageFlies]

It definitely is Lee. I'm thinking this might be more of a panfish or bluegill pattern. Maybe some crazy hungry brook trout will like it. :-)

[@marksleeper9385]

nice fly Matt

[@tomharvey7436]

I agree with Hughie very interesting you certainly have a nack for finding patterns I’ve never seen thanks for sharing I think it will definitely get some attention from the trout

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Tom! And yeah, I've probably just got too many old books laying around. :-) I think I'm going to try this one the next time I'm at a small farm pond chasing bluegills.

[@jamestlustig]

Definitely going to tie some of these up to try in NC the next time i go up there!

[@SavageFlies]

Oh yeah, I think this flashy looking bug will be killer anywhere you've got some hungry brook trout!

[@allenaviation5746]

Another fly I'll have to try. Thanks Matt. I think I have some peccary hair. Funny, I knew what a peccary was and I knew what a javalina was, but I didn't know know that they are the exact same species until I just looked it up. Learned something new!

[@SavageFlies]

Well Daryl, I didn't know that until reading your comment and going to check Wikipedia myself! Did you see they're also called a "skunk pig?" Now that is an awesome name for a fly! I'm definitely going to make up a fly with this fur and call it the Skunk Pig something. It may have to be a nymph as these hairs are pretty solid and I'm assuming the opposite of buoyant. :-)

[@allenaviation5746]

@@SavageFlies Skunk Pig Nymph. Perfect. It will be a Killer. Black Body with White Stripe shellback and a pig tail!

[@SavageFlies]

Oh, I didn’t even think about a white stripe. Yeah, this could be cool. 😁

[@hughiegraves8901]

Very interesting nymph matt may have whip a few of these up.👍

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Hugh! It reminds me a bit of a Tellico nymph, but with crazy colors. :-)

[@dano956]

Great pattern, I am using moose for tail and it looks great. Now I'm thinking different colors for body and hackle. Love the idea of fishing flies nobody else would have.

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Danny! I would almost bet you'd be the only person using Jim Quick's Destroyer on any given day on your waters. :-)

[@donaldsickles9242]

Awesome looking fly, I bet it would be a great fly for pan fish in a smaller version. Thanks Matt.

[@SavageFlies]

Oh yes, that's exactly what I've been thinking. I want to toss this guy in the warm water farm ponds around here and see how the bluegill like it. Thanks for watching Donald!

[@michaelpeterson6413]

Matt awesome pattern. The way you can come up with these patterns from a black and white picture is amazing. If your not considered a master tier you should be. This pattern with be killer where I fish in the northeast. It seems any pattern with orange or yellow in it is super effective. Thank you for finding it. I will definitely tie some up.

[@SavageFlies]

Wow Michael, thanks for the vote of confidence! I'll get there someday I'm sure. And yes, it is fun to dig up some of these old patterns and try to bring them back to life. Thanks for watching my friend. :-)

[@OttoJulian_]

1. Nymph=wet right? I think I'm learning! 2. I saw that zooming effect that you did there! You are incorporating more editing tricks, subtle, but they serve the purpose! Will sound weird but I'm proud of you! 3. Destroyer fly, these names!! If the fly knew that he will get destroyed out there 🤭 4. The book and all that story felt pretty "retro". Good job Matt as usual!!!

[@SavageFlies]

You are learning! Yes, both a nymph and a wet fly are fished under the surface. Dry flies stay dry, ie on top of the water. And... I almost emailed you to see if you would notice anything new about my editing. And you already did! You're AWESOME. I've still got to figure out when and exactly how is best to do things like the slow zooming effect, but thanks for noticing! I tried to keep it subtle... but not to your expert eye! In fact, I'm learning a lot of these tricks from watching your videos. I'll get there. Someday. As always, thanks for the support my friend!

[@forgottenforest1]

Man you do good work

[@SavageFlies]

Well thank you! I appreciate this note my friend. :-)

[@carlsavage768]

Nice looking fly and relatively easy tie, though I’ll need to substitute the boar hair. Enjoy your videos and find your tying methods easy to follow. Look forward to future flies.

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Carl! Just go with something dark for the tail, but not something like deer hair that will be too hollow. Elk or moose mane could work. Even dark hackle fibers. Good luck my friend!

[@PreppingWithSarge]

The name alone is a perfect reason to click on this link!!

[@SavageFlies]

That's right! As click-baity as it may be, when I find a fly with a cool name, I almost always want to tie it. :-)

[@joeg5414]

Oh nice.... I can use the yellow Grizzly I got in a scrap grab bag. I'll bet this will catch fish where I'm at... SW Colorado

[@SavageFlies]

Oh yeah, this is definitely a semi-forgotten pattern. But quite fun none-the-less. Have fun with it my friend!

[@thomaswalls123]

This is a cool fly, wonder why it never caught on. Looks like it will fish well. Definitely will be tying a bunch.

[@SavageFlies]

I know! We see a lot of red and yellow combinations, but not so much the orange and yellow. Still kind of cool though. :-)

[@flytire1]

Destroyer Nymph is also referenced in "Perraults Standard Dictionay of Fishing Flies" with orange floss in the recipe. Everything else is the same

[@SavageFlies]

Wow, thank you Normand! I have not heard of this book but just looked it up. Looks like it was published in 1984 and there are a few used copies available although it's still a bit pricey. That might be one I'll need to eventually add to my library. :-)

[@epsieblaine9558]

Never seen this one.It looks fishy.Going to tie a few,and give them a shot.I think they will catch.Thanks for sharing Matt.Cheers

[@SavageFlies]

And you know Kenneth, I think this would be a great bluegill fly too. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@michaelmerlino6753]

Nice pattern,Matt.I think it calls for three tail fibers because most mayfly nymphs have three tails.If I tied this one I would flair the tail fibers,just me I guess.

[@SavageFlies]

I think you're probably right Mike but I wasn't even sure if this thing is supposed to be a mayfly! I think it may just be some crazy, flashy attractor nymph. :-)

[@dantailleur3597]

Sweet fly!!! Could Pheasant Tail or a similar material be used for the tail or does it have to be boar or javelina??

[@SavageFlies]

Dan- use anything you've got my friend! Javelina/boar/pig are pretty coarse and not hollow. So is bear. You could even use saddle hackle fibers. I would just try to keep it dark, and probably not use hollow deer or elk hair. They are too buoyant. :-)

[@dantailleur3597]

@@SavageFlies Thanks!!

[@skylazart]

I’m gonna try this and share some photos so it’s history will continue :)

[@SavageFlies]

Thank you Felipe! I think Jim Quick (who died in 1960 just before his last book was published) would be proud to know we're trying to keep his flies around. :-)

[@troutaddictnl7696]

I think i would substitue the wild boar, with Black Bear instead of moose or buck tail... Its black and also doesnt flare out.

[@SavageFlies]

I just saw yours. Did you do that one with the bear? If so, I may have to do that too as I think the tail on yours looks a little better. :-)

[@troutaddictnl7696]

@@SavageFlies yessir, that one was done with locally harvested black beat. I'm working on another variation now also.. Lol

[@SavageFlies]

@@troutaddictnl7696 Awesome. Someone sent me a patch of West Virginia black bear and I almost used it on this fly. Mine was pretty much the same as the boar too. :-)

[@troutaddictnl7696]

@@SavageFlies give it a try! Beware its slick hair.. I have to add a touch of tyers wax

[@easttnflyfreak2870]

love it . Thanks for sharing Matt . I have a question buddy me and my grand daughter tye together and im looking for a book to cross reference aqutic entomolgy to the vise was wondering if you had any suggestions?

[@SavageFlies]

Yes, Dave Hughes' 2005 book called "Handbook of Hatches" is exactly what you are looking for. The subtitle reads, "Introductory Guide to the Foods Trout Eat and the Most Effective Flies to Match Them." I have a copy here and it's a GREAT book. amzn.to/39s8lHz

[@easttnflyfreak2870]

WOW thank you so much buddy this means so much to me to bring my grand daughter into my world and watch her have a great time when we get the time to so!

[@SavageFlies]

@@easttnflyfreak2870 And you're a lucky man if you get to share this great sport with your granddaughter!

[@mikeking453]

Anytime peacock herl is used it's going to be a decent fish catcher

[@SavageFlies]

You're reading my mind Mike! I've said that many times before. If you can put peacock in a nymph or wet fly, it's going to make it better. :-)

[@aldunn5195]

I too will be riding up a few of these and sending of my grandson to try in Denver on some Brown trout. Where is the book tighter from?

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks Al! The book is from Jim Quick, published in 1960. There is a link in the description where you might be able to find it. I don't necessarily recommend it for fly tying though.

[@aldunn5195]

I will see if I can find where he is from? Thanks

[@ejones4765]

Is this a Crackleback variant maybe?

[@edwardchavez5627]

Wow a Destroyer Nymph I'm gonna try that... LOL. Good Morning Sir Matt, Great looking nymph the colors pop. My question is does this nymph ride on top of the water because of the yarn? Or will it absorb water. And believe it or not I just so happen to have boar fibers.

[@SavageFlies]

Edward, usually nymphs are fished under the surface, so you don't want to tie them with floating materials. The yarn will hold water and let it sink, but it won't be a fast sinker unless you fish it with split shot. I would definitely fish this one with some weight, or with another heavier nymph tied to this one. And note, some flies will float a few seconds on the surface and then slowly start to sink. Then you sort of dry them off with the next cast and they float another couple of seconds. We usually call these semi-dry flies. :-)

[@edwardchavez5627]

@@SavageFlies awesome I didn't know that thank you Sir Matt. Have a Great weekend Sir

[@SavageFlies]

@@edwardchavez5627 You too Edward! It's going to be way cold here in Maryland this weekend so will be the perfect time to stay inside and make some new bugs. :-)

[@dsmt8703]

Thank you again for a good start for my day. Hope you have the same.

[@SavageFlies]

Always my friend. Appreciate you watching!

[@alloutdoorsnovascotia8791]

cool fly funny I worked for a guy named Jim Quick a few years back ... not a common name .

[@SavageFlies]

No, it's not a common name... that is interesting. :-)

[@FlyTyer1948]

Curious fly. It made me think carrot but that’s already a dry fly. I wonder what inspired Mr. Quick for the design & name. I wonder if he was from somewhere in the West or Southwest given his use of peccary in the tail. Oddly enough I still have some & more oddly, I have the right hackle as well. This is a fly I would love to test. However, since I can’t fish, I’m counting on you &/or your viewers to test it & report back before I tie up a bunch to donate for novice fly fishers.

[@SavageFlies]

Ahhh, Bob, I just read this after responding to your email. Funny again, to have mentioned a carrot! I talked about the Carrot Nymph in my email. And get this, when I was originally researching that one, I came across a reference that said it was originally called the "Carrot and Black" and later just shortened to the carrot nymph. But the fly is in this Jim Quick book, and as they said, in here it is called the Carrot and Black. This is quite an interesting book, but there is zero history on any of the patterns in it. A very few do mention the originator. Ie, under the carrot and black, it says, "R. Cross." But most of them don't say anything. As far as the effectiveness of this fly... I have no idea. My problem, since starting this channel, is I have so many different flies in my boxes now that I'm not sure I'll ever get to fish them all. I do want to try this one though. I'm thinking in the warm water ponds for sunfish and bluegills this spring. I can't imagine too many of the wily wild browns on the Savage falling for this flashy contraption. But I guess we'll never know until we try it. :-)

[@SavageFlies]

And oh yeah, you mentioned peccary. See Daryl's comment on here (Allen Aviation), he mentioned it as well. I had no idea a javelina was also a peccary. But even more interesting, it's also called a skunk pig. I love that name for a future fly!

[@FlyTyer1948]

@@SavageFlies Lol. I wonder what a fly would look like if it was labeled “Skunk Pig.” Logically, it would include javalina bristle & skunk fur & be really ugly. Would you be skunked if you used it?

[@dsmt8703]

That’s a cool fly. What’s that color “firetiger “? Maybe one of the first.

[@SavageFlies]

I'd never heard of the Fire Tiger until Pete mentioned it here. It's a baitfish pattern, mostly orange and yellow, but also has some bright green. Check it out: it's pretty cool looking.