Fly Tying Inventory
Gallagher Special Nymph
A lesser-known but deadly Northeast trout nymph featuring a peacock herl body with gold wire rib and furnace hackle collar. The tutorial by Tightline Productions demonstrates this classic soft-hackle style wet fly that imitates a variety of subsurface insects.
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Materials
Standard nymph hook, size 12-16 (e.g., TMC 3761 or Dai-Riki 060)
Black 6/0 or 8/0
Brown hackle fibers, 6-8 strands
Fine gold wire
Peacock herl, 3-4 strands twisted together
Turkey tail or pheasant tail fibers
Dark hare's ear dubbing or additional peacock herl
How to Tie the Gallagher Special Nymph
- 1
Step 1
Secure the hook in the vise and start black thread, wrapping a smooth base to the bend.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in 6-8 brown hackle fibers for the tail at the bend, about one hook-gap in length.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in fine gold wire along the shank for ribbing, then tie in 3-4 peacock herls by their tips at the bend.
- 4
Step 4
Twist the peacock herls around the thread to form a rope, then wrap forward to the thorax area, creating a full body.
Twisting the herl with thread creates a more durable body that resists breakage from fish teeth.
- 5
Step 5
Counter-wrap the gold wire rib forward through the body in 4-5 even turns. Secure and trim.
- 6
Step 6
Tie in a slip of turkey tail fibers over the thorax area for the wingcase.
- 7
Step 7
Dub a thorax with dark hare's ear dubbing, pull the wingcase over, and secure with thread wraps.
- 8
Step 8
Whip finish, trim thread, and apply head cement to the thread head.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjtZ3h3h2fs
Credit: Matt Grobert / FFI Fly Tying Group Video Library