Fly Tying Inventory
Floss Pick Nymph
An ingenious, simple nymph pattern created by Red's Fly Shop guide Joe Rotter. The Floss Pick Nymph uses minimal materials to create a highly effective, versatile pattern that catches fish year-round. Its slim profile and subtle flash make it an excellent searching pattern that suggests a variety of aquatic insects. The simplicity of the tie makes it perfect for beginners while remaining a go-to pattern for experienced guides on the Yakima River.
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Materials
Jig hook or standard nymph hook, sizes 12-18
Tungsten bead, sized to hook (gold or black)
UTC 70 denier, color to match body
Single strand of UTC Ultra Wire or similar, color of choice
Peacock herl or Ice Dub
Soft hackle feather (partridge or hen), 2-3 wraps
How to Tie the Floss Pick Nymph
- 1
Step 1
Slide the tungsten bead onto the hook and mount in vise. Start thread behind the bead and build a smooth thread base to the bend.
A smooth thread base ensures the wire body wraps evenly.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in a strand of Ultra Wire at the bend and wrap the thread forward to create an even underbody.
- 3
Step 3
Wrap the wire forward in even, touching turns to create a slim, segmented body. Tie off at the thorax area.
Keep the body slim — this pattern's effectiveness comes from its sparse profile.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in 2-3 strands of peacock herl and wrap a compact thorax just behind the bead.
- 5
Step 5
Tie in a soft hackle feather and make 2-3 wraps as a collar. Sweep the fibers rearward and tie off.
The soft hackle collar provides subtle movement that triggers strikes on the drift.
- 6
Step 6
Build a small thread head behind the bead, whip finish, and apply head cement.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dDVt5mxCac
Credit: Red's Fly Shop