Fly Tying - How to tie a Damsel Variation for UK Stillwater Fly Fishing 4K

Hook - Hanak B230 BL #10
Thread - UTC 140d Red
Tail - Comp Candy Oliveesque
Flash - Troutline Pike Flash
Rib1 Danvilles Fine gold wire
Rib2 - Veevus PO1 Lurex M
Body - Nature Spirit Emergence Dubbing No79
Palmer - Bann Valley Flies Selected Hackle (Teal)
Front Hackle - Natural English Partridge
Damsel nymphs are prolific on our small Stillwaters here in the UK. They make up a fair amount of the trouts diet at these venues. It is always worth having a few different Damsel options in various sizes in your box. Lots of different techniques in this fly and a lot of fun to tie.
In the comments below let me know what your favourite damsel pattern is.

[@johnlindsay3202]

another nice fly well worth a go

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Thanks 👍

[@davidwelsh3673]

Awesome stuff Lindsay!

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Thank you!! 😁

[@duderoony]

That’s a nice looking pattern there Lyndsay. I’ll try tying it and see how it comes out. I can’t deny I also really like the look you get from a partridge feather. Definitely makes a fly look like it will attract fish more than other materials. Thank you for another one dude. It’s appreciated. 😊

[@lindsayiflyfish]

No bother pal.

[@archiebathgate9122]

Thanks for this pattern. I tied a slight variation using a ruby red bead and have caught fish on it each week.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Outstanding Archie always good to here about minor changes that are successful 👍

[@allan8515]

To break out the usual clichés , it looks deadly, a fish catcher, a real killer pattern, definitely one for the fly box. 👍

[@lindsayiflyfish]

You know a winner when you see it pal👍

[@dfisher1000]

Nice fly Lindsay , I will tie a few and test them out and let you know how we get on with them . Just saying , I’m a fan of tying loops and find it much better for getting Partridge to look good as it’s not easy get ting long enough feathers for hackling . Minor detail . Many thanks 🎣👌

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Partridge can be fickle, I use loops for smaller river flies a lot.

[@WATTSROBIN]

A good way to get coloured grizzle feathers is to use copic pens. I spray mine but it can be done by hand.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Thats a top tip thanks for sharing Robin.

[@robertpetersen9450]

Use a short length of plastic drinking straw with a slit in it, moisten the fly and slip the straw over it with the slit going over the hook bend. Let it dry and when the straw is removed the feathers will have a nice swept back look.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@neilandrew961]

Nice fly again sir i like to use a teal feather dyed yellow a bit larger than partridge but gives good movement at head and colour

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Thanks Neil sounds interesting

[@lawrencemacd63]

Cracking damsel pattern Lindsay but I’ve never caught fish using patterns that have a marabou tail or blue hackled tied flies only on sparse damsel nymph patterns I use ive had confidence using maybe it’s me not being able to tear myself away from my fav is why I don’t catch on other patterns 🐟🎣😁😁

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Try Ronnie’s Damsel, if you don’t catch on that I will eat my hat. 😉

[@lawrencemacd63]

@@lindsayiflyfish I will hold you on that Lindsay 🐟🎣😁😁

[@fliesbychris]

I just tied a couple of them for my Instagram thingy!!. Great minds think alike!!! Very cool looking fly Lindsay!! ATB Chris.

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Cheers pal will be getting a swim later in the week I hope.

[@imeach2897]

@@lindsayiflyfish You or the flies mate? You're not planning on calling in again are you? If so , can you make sure to catch on film, boost views lol

[@michaelshaw8370]

Lindsay’s last job in the Army. A posting as a Undervaser Boot Corvettan Captain. U Boat Captain! Hears or spots an aircraft! Alarm “Dive Dive Dive!!!!” We have all done it. Sorry pal just had to send it. 😂

[@alanstead1379]

Another nice fly mate. I dunno why but I held my breath in anticipation of you cutting the Palmer hackle at the base of the tail. 😀

[@lindsayiflyfish]

@@alanstead1379 Thats because I am always good for making a hash of it.....lol.