Damselfly Nymph

Materials

How to Tie the Damselfly Nymph

1. 1

   Step 1

   Mount hook in vise. Start olive thread behind the eye and wrap to the bend.

   A 2X-long hook gives the elongated damselfly body shape.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Tie in a sparse tuft of olive marabou at the bend for the tail, about one shank length long. Tie in copper wire for ribbing.

   Keep the tail sparse—damsel tails are slender.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Dub a slim, tapered abdomen of olive dubbing from the bend to the midpoint of the shank.

   The abdomen should be slender and gradually tapered.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Counter-wrap the copper wire forward in 4-5 turns over the abdomen. Tie off and trim.

   Ribbing adds segmentation and durability.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Tie in a strip of olive Swiss Straw on top for the wingcase. Dub a fuller thorax area with olive hare's ear dubbing.

   The thorax should be noticeably thicker than the abdomen.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Tie in olive partridge or hen hackle fibers on each side as legs, swept rearward. Pull the wingcase forward and tie down.

   Legs should extend to about the hook point.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Optionally add melted mono eyes. Build a small thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement. Pick out the thorax dubbing for a buggy look.

   Fish this pattern with a slow, steady retrieve to mimic swimming damsels.