One Fly To Rule Them All - The Versatile, Humble, Effective and Dependable CK Nymph

[@glenndotter5065]

Proof you dont need expensive tools to tie. Love your Thompson and non ceramic bobbin and hand whip finishing. Young tiers pay attention!

[@rzwerlein]

They probably won’t 🤣🫢😬🤷🏼‍♂️ found this refreshing bc I took a break of about 14 years and things have definitely evolved…..and there’s nothing wrong with that. Hopefully the new anglers/tyers learn and appreciate the history. It Is a big part of it IMO.

[@xDoAgamingx]

I legit only know how to whip finish without the tool I think it’s easier without it I’m 22 😅

[@robertclark2759]

I am returning to fly fishing after a long hiatus. Also I am doing my best to learn how to tie flies. Your presentation is the best I have watched on KZbin. I appreciate your background comments, detailed materials discussion and clear assembly demo. Cudos on the quality of audio and the video. Needless to say, I am now subscribed to your channel. I will be acquiring some of these flies and heading to the AuSable river ASAP.

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Robert, Thanks for the feedback. Which Ausable? New York or Michigan? Let me know how your fishing was?

[@robertclark2759]

@@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866 l live about an hour drive south of Grayling Michigan which is near the headwaters of both the AuSable and the Manistee rivers. Lucky me! Stream trout season is mostly on hold until next spring but I can concentrate on Steelhead and Salmon in miles of rivers that remain open year round. Life is good.

[@joeg5414]

@@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866 I fished the Ausable in NY quite a bit when I was a kid. Lived about 2 hours from it and would go a few times a year with my Dad. Got to meet Fran Betters in his shop and watch him tie some flies. This was back in the mid 90s. Now I'm near Durango CO. Pretty nice spot for flyfishing

[@jackkrag]

So nice to see a young man being classy . No childish celebration of the trivial. No Outbursts, no gold stars. I miss the real. Thank you sir. rivershoes

[@DonohoeDSc]

My second time back to re-watch…wonderful way to enjoy early morning coffee and plan my next venture into Central PA; transfer of knowledge is a lost art, thank you for sharing.

[@TheCanary24]

This is not only tying but also sharing all experience of angling! Thank you so much!

[@pommybiker]

Thanks for this vid. I tied up 4 size 12s but had no mallard for tails so used golden pheasant tippets instead. That was the only change. Went out for my first outing of the trout season here in New Zealand on our local braided river the Wairau River here in Marlborough. Injuries and surgery have kept me away from the river so I was keen to see if I could cast still let alone try this pattern. Found a driveable 4WD access, set up, walked up to a likely riffle, cast to test the shoulder and cast again to hook up on a fat little 3lb sea run hen brown trout. Landing the fish proved firstly my shoulder wasn’t ready yet but also this pattern is excellent. I’m looking forward to trying it upriver on our larger resident brown trout when I’m more healed than I am now. Thanks again for sharing this pattern.

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

That is so cool that the CK Nymph delivered your first trout of the season on the Wairau! I say at times that a trout is a trout. But some of the big browns taken on that river seem otherworldly. Hope your shoulder heals and you can return to the river. Andy Leitzinger

[@andreascott5815]

I enjoy the music in your videos! My husband and I will be staying in Central PA for three weeks starting the end of April. Of course Pennsylvania is on our schedule. I will be tying up the CK nymph to carry in my boxes. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge, it is deeply appreciated.

[@TOFK911]

If i ever make a film on dly fishing I'll call you for the script. What amazing little narration. Fell in love with fly fishing all over again. Thank you!

[@ralphnicosia-rusin966]

Thanks for the time and artistry you put into this video. Your case for your fly collection is pure eye candy and a real gem that I never have seen. More to the point, this looks like an excellent fly that might really work well and one I plan on tying real soon.

[@garyproctor6044]

Interesting fly, excellent history and tying demonstration. Will definitely give this pattern a try. Thank You and Take Care

[@mholzman50]

Just found your video last night and had to tie it this morning! Easy fly to dress and I will be seeing if it works as well as it looks here in the Pacific Northwest. Going to tie a half dozen now but had to let you know my thanks right now.👍👍👍

[@johnshand6176]

Just about to tie up a few for my first day on the Waioeka River down under in NZ. Thanks for the informative video. I haven't been in your neck of the woods since 1980 while on a 10K bicycling journey but certainly treasure the Eastern US and all the wonderful people I met. Kindest Regards!

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Enjoy your spring opener! We are looking at winter coming just around the corner.

[@scottlowe3355]

Another great video. I caught my first brookie on a CK nymph. It was introduced to me by Colby Trow at Mossy Creek Fly Shop. I haven’t fished it as much recently but this video reminds me to add more to my box and tie it on more often. Thank you.

[@kennethsanders963]

THANK YOU FOR THE QUICK AND EASY NYMPH PATTERN .I TIED A FEW TO START AND I WILL ADD MORE AS I GO .THANX AGAIN FROM CALGARY, ALBERTA CANADA. THIGHT LINES !👍

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

You are welcome.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Love this video! man it brought the feels! I have tied at this time, 14 months into tying, hundreds of flies, over a thousand I'm sure. That said I have 1 fly that I fish nearly every time I go out, that fly I dont think has a name, Its squirrel dubbed onto a hook with a silver bead, silver wire, and orange collar. I have flies I've never touched after taking them off the vice, and ones i've fished until they fall apart. That would be this one.

[@michaelzobrist8846]

This Is a great fly pattern. I happen to be fishing on the Penobscot river near Baxter State Park in Maine. There was a gentleman that was fishing about 10 feet away from me. He told me that he was from Pennsylvania and he showed me a nymph pattern that I really hadn’t seen before. Well it was very similar to the pattern on you just tied. The only difference was instead of peacock curl. He used hairs ear dubbing. I have kind of forgotten about that fly until I just watched your video. Thanks for bringing it back. Take care. I will definitely use this pattern. The next time I fish the Clarion river in PA.

[@badwizard1312]

I’m from western Pa. There’s a locally popular fly we call the Cocky Knight. It’s almost the same pattern. Pheasant for a long tail, brown hairs ear body tapered forward. No particular hackle. I like olive but the is trim exactly the same. I’ve been told that’s not the original Cocky Knight. Whatever, that’s what we call it here. Interestingly my uncle who was a consummated worm fisherman like to add a salmon egg, from the a jar, and I wonder he invented the original egg sucking leech pattern?

[@stevef2624]

I tie mine with a tungsten or brass bead. Sometimes with tail, sometimes not - can't say I've noticed a huge difference one way or the other. Using it with a dry has been very effective in my area. When nothing else is working, I usually will go with one of these.

[@joshmensinger4040]

Very interesting fly...i've tied a couple and now waiting for the waters to reside a bit so I can give them a try. I was the one asking about the "no refusal" emerger in one of your other videos. Hoping that fly might make the next tying video?? Thanks for the great information. I really appreciate when those that have great knowledge and experience are willing to share it....thats not always the case in the fly fishing world!

[@brianhoover2294]

Very happy to see another video. I love these! Thank you very much.

[@brianh1161]

I was just wondering the other day when you might post again. Great video and thanks for sharing. I may have to tie a few of these up if I can ever find the time.

[@brianfeeney9493]

Will try this next Season in NW Michigan Thank You Much 🎉 ✨🎣💫

[@JdhdindvBdisnv]

I can't believe how this person came up with such a thing

[@bentpolski]

Looks Like My First Thompson A Vise? I graduated up to a Renzetti Apprentice. Plus my original Hackle Pliers! Started tying at 12. I'll be 70 in November. They might even take it as a cased caddis too. I will try these! Thanks!

[@jdoza5184]

Move on to 8:27 for fly tying.

[@burtonbrocious171]

An effective fly sure i may have read the same article as you. As i recall the body was black chenille and there was a grey version as well. Tks 😊

[@cachi-7878]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve never heard of this nymph pattern; I’ll have to look in my books. It almost looks like a miniature Wooly Bugger but with the hackle trimmed.

[@rayditzenberger9517]

Tiers have forgotten about the Wooly Worm. Very similar and a great fly in its own right

[@henryholderness7230]

Good fly. Works well here in NZ on both lakes and rivers

[@henryholderness7230]

Cool fly. Will work well here in NZ. Good imitation of a sandy cased caddis nymph

[@kpmurphy2738]

Nice video. This is a trimmed woolly bugger. Nice

[@lincolnprojectnemesis3253]

I think all fishermen have their favorite go-to fly. I would guess that the San Juan Worm is probably the most often found go to fly ,at least in the western states. For some reason, there is the occasional stygma associated with it, likely because it has worm. In the name.

[@jimb2357]

Your list of traits for the most versatile fly reminded me of the Boy Scout oath from when I was young 😂

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Very true!!

[@alanfields3356]

Great show thanks! Ok, can that fly storage box you have still be bought???

[@mikelundrigan2285]

I like to put a coat of Sally Hansen over the body prior to winding the peacock hurls, in effect gluing them in place! I also add a counter wrap a strand of copper wire from an old kettle cord thru the hackle to reinforce it prior to trimming it. This will make your fly last much longer!

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Mike, I’ll try that variation. Thanks

[@dougdumbrill7234]

Pretty close. It would be the Wooly Worm for me! And a Royal Coachman!😳 I’ll certainly tie this!!!

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Never a bad idea to have another tool in your toolbox.

[@rayditzenberger9517]

Interesting.....I fish warm water and I tie and fish a fly very similar though I had never heard of the CK nymph. I sometimes use a orange dub body weighted and unweighted. I also use a squirrel tail for a wing on a 10 hook for smb and all species of gill. No carp in my waters but I believe it will work well for them as well

[@patrickhill2258]

1 fly for me in the Delaware/Beaverkill system in the Catskills. Size 22 BWO with a cdc wing. Caught more fish on that than just about all the others combined.

[@OscarOverlanding]

Wow! Thank you.

[@markbenn1907]

That box is sick!

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

That is a Rex K Richardson Chest Utility Box. My box is one of the last such boxes made by Rex Richardson himself shortly before he died. I've had it for probably close to 30 years. Thankfully, these boxes are still being made. They can be made to order. Here is a link if you are interested. www.chestflybox.com/ Thanks Andy Leitzinger

[@Richard-du7yj]

I would have to pick a soft hackle. I can fish it in so many different ways. Hands down, my favorite.

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

I do love using soft hackles, especially during a hatch of mayfly duns or caddis.

[@klb6910]

Chuck Kraft had several only need one flies, the Kreelex may be the only streamer, the Floating Kreelex the only top water "popper", and his Crawdad be the only crayfish pattern. Sadly he passed in March of 2020.

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Sorry to hear that Chuck has passed away. Here’s to Chuck and his great fly!

[@RoryLynott]

With a recipe calling for peacock herl, mallard/wood duck and grizzly hackle what more could you ask for?

[@jamesmccreery250]

I used this fly a lot growing up. My dad ties them.

[@davidhaddon2854]

Hi , did i miss it , what size hook are you using in this vid please, thank you ,David.

[@thetrouttravelers1454]

What brand is the fly box? I would love to have one.

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

This is an original Rex Richardson Chest Fly Box. One of the last ones he made for me shortly before he passed on. Thankfully the boxes are still made today in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Here is a link. www.chestflybox.com/ I’d recommend a 4 tray box. 5 trays is a bit too big. Good Luck! Andy Leitzinger

[@geoffreymiller5422]

Nice pattern. I’m going to give to a “Euro flair” and tie it on a jig hook with slotted tungsten bead. Do you see a need for reinforcing the hackle/peacock herl with thin wire/mono? Keep the great content coming! 👏

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Geoffrey, I’ve never used wire to reinforce the peacock herl and have never had too much trouble with the fly falling apart. I start the wind closer to the butt end where the feather is strongest.

[@sm8551]

My #1 fly is the Mosquito. Mosquitos are out year-round and it never fails when the fish are biting.

[@johnnymccann5607]

wolly buggers. i don't trout fish much, but smallmouth,large mouth bass, and most any outher fish i catch. second choice glouser, third would be royal coachman. Papa wishing you well 😊

[@thomasdurkin8719]

I love that multi-level metal fly box. What kind is that?

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Thomas, that is a Rex K Richardson Chest Utility Box. My box is one of the last such boxes made by Rex Richardson himself shortly before he died. The original design was called a Fye Box and could be purchased at tackle shops in Central Pennsylvania. I inherited my first Fye Box from my grandfather. It was a 3 drawer silver aluminum box. I needed more space and I eventually tracked Rex down in Osceola Mills, PA and ordered the box I currently use. I’ve had it for probably close to 30 years. Thankfully, these boxes are still being made. They can be made to order by www.chestflybox.com/ Thanks Andy Leitzinger

[@nicholasdeluca3580]

GREAT VIDEO.... my only question is, WHERE did you get that fly box??

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Nicholas, That is a Rex K Richardson Chest Utility Box. My box is one of the last such boxes made by Rex Richardson himself shortly before he died. The original design was called a Fye Box and could be purchased at tackle shops in Central Pennsylvania. I inherited my first Fye Box from my grandfather. It was a 3 drawer silver aluminum box. I needed more space and I eventually tracked Rex down in Osceola Mills, PA and ordered the box I currently use. I've had it for probably close to 30 years. Thankfully, these boxes are still being made. They can be made to order by contacting this website: www.chestflybox.com/ Thanks Andy Leitzinger

[@nicholasdeluca3580]

@@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866 Thank you very much. Beautiful box.

[@ronalbert6287]

The box is a Richardson chest fly box. Do a search

[@anthonymorales842]

mine is a modified hornberg

[@louis7777]

Hey Andy what is the name of that old fly box you have Thanks

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Louis, That is a Rex K Richardson Chest Utility Box. My box is one of the last such boxes made by Rex Richardson himself shortly before he died. The original design was called a Fye Box and could be purchased at tackle shops in Central Pennsylvania. I inherited my first Fye Box from my grandfather. It was a 3 drawer silver aluminum box. I needed more space and I eventually tracked Rex down in Osceola Mills, PA and ordered the box I currently use. I've had it for probably close to 30 years. Thankfully, these boxes are still being made to order by a guy in Bellefonte, PA. www.chestflybox.com/ Thanks, Andy Leitzinger

[@russellogden8071]

I'm going up to penns the first week of may.what flys would you carry on that date

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

I recommend having these patterns available at that time. March Brown Dun (parachute) #10-12 March Brown Nymph #10-12 March Brown Spinner #10-12 Hendrickson Dun (parachute) # 14 Hendrickson Emergers and nymphs # 14 Hendrickson Spinner #14 Tan or brown Elk or Deer Hair Caddis #16-14 Caddis Pupa (such as a sparkle pupa) Blue Quill Dun # 18 Soft Hackles #16-14 Blue Winged Olive Duns and Emergers #20-18 Sulphur Duns and Emergers #16-14 (a bit early but you may see the start of the hatch) Hares Ear wet fly and nymphs #12-15 Pheasant Tail nymphs of various sizes Assorted bead head nymphs Bring a wading staff at all times on Penns! Good Luck!

[@russellogden8071]

@@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866 I have a hard time with a wading stick

[@russellogden8071]

What's your march brown nymph

[@russellogden8071]

Do you have a march brown nymph

[@TheNavajo0]

Where did you get that fly box?!?

[@charlesleblanc6638]

Interesting fly ... Have you tried them on Brook Trout ?

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Charles. Yes Brook Trout take the CK Nymph.

[@charlesleblanc6638]

@@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866 OK thanks ... I will give them a try ... Brookies are quite opportunistic so I figured they would. Simple & easy to tie perfect.

[@Habaneroranger]

i would probably choose the flashback english PT or thin mint

[@michaeltakesthegun9175]

Can it applied to smallmouth?

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Yes they do work on Smallmouths. However the Smallmouth hookups on the CK nymphs were incidental when I was targeting trout. I do fish smallmouth as well. So you gave me an idea to tie very large CK nymphs say # 6 or # 8 and use them on the river. Thanks!

[@rayditzenberger9517]

Absolutely.....I add a squirrel tail wing and the smb take it as a crawdad. I mostly fish this and a yellow spider in my small warmwater creeks. Orange dub body is great too. Size 10

[@adamsflyco5555]

Do you ever fish valley anymore?

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

I do fish Valley. But not as much as I did 30 years ago when I was younger and lived a few miles from the stream.

[@peter-i9t3m]

cant get this nymoh in UK :-{

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Have a couple thousand but use only a half dozen.

[@paulebennett9342]

Prince nymph

[@JohnCTill]

I like this guy I like his presentation, but I don’t appreciate the music. It’s just strange the whole program - - I don’t know why it is some of these people in the Fly fishing industry feel they have to have loud music playing which almost drowned out what they have to say. I’m not proofing this so there will be type of graphical errors, but I want to get it out. John IFFF MCI

[@netrich143]

[@joemcmillan7278]

Griffiths gnat

[@bertbirge3617]

Man!!! Get rid of that music!!! Makes it very hard to hear or enjoy your otherwise good video.. thank you.

[@susanp.collins7834]

Couldn't agree more. Irritating. Can't watch.

[@paulhughes7079]

I agree. Who do you want to hear?

[@c181jtd]

Totally annoying music and unnessary

[@chrismarzano5612]

I think the music is great, very relaxing, nicely done!

[@JeremyLamovsky]

​@chrismarzano5612 too damn loud. Imo it should be barely heard when someone is narrating and a little louder when breaks from speaking

[@timhackman8901]

That's just a Griffith's Gnat with a tail

[@apennsylvaniajournalwithan9866]

Tim. You are spot on. Except for size and the fact the CK is meant to sink. In an earlier version of this video I drew that comparison, but I took it out. BTW , the Griffith Gnat is my go to midge pattern. Great fly. Beats most other midges in most situations.

[@_BlueAxis_]

That's a a wooly with a haircut.

[@howardmceachern6614]

Excellent presentation. I did not know about this fly, but I am heading to my bench to tie a few. I agree with @glanndotter5065; nice comment. Thanks for the knowledge, Chuck.

[@phillmartin6196]

Love the guitar music, but your voice talking ruins it . Best if you do a silent movie, Andy the second time watching was as bad as the first. Thank you for whispering.

[@ArchdukeB]

Get to the Fing point!!!

[@mawilkinson1957]

This is unwatchable. The music is to loud.