Fly Tying Inventory
Girdle Bug
The original rubber-legged stonefly attractor that inspired Pat's Rubber Legs and many similar patterns. Simple chenille body with white rubber legs makes this an incredibly easy fly to tie yet extremely effective. A must-have for high water and spring runoff when stonefly nymphs are active.
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Materials
2XL or 3XL nymph hook, size 4-12
Lead or lead-free wire, wrapped on shank
Black 140 denier or 6/0
White round rubber leg, single strand
Black chenille, medium or large
White round rubber legs, 3 pairs tied in along the body
White round rubber legs, short pair at head
How to Tie the Girdle Bug
- 1
Step 1
Secure the hook in the vise. Optionally wrap lead wire along the shank for weight. Start thread and cover the wire.
- 2
Step 2
At the bend, tie in a single strand of white rubber leg for the tail, about one hook-shank in length on each side.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in black chenille at the tail base.
- 4
Step 4
Wrap chenille forward approximately 1/3 of the shank. Stop and tie in a pair of rubber legs using figure-eight wraps.
- 5
Step 5
Continue wrapping chenille forward another 1/3. Tie in the second pair of legs.
- 6
Step 6
Wrap chenille to just behind the eye. Tie in the third pair of legs (or antennae).
- 7
Step 7
Tie off the chenille. Build a thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement.
- 8
Step 8
Trim legs to desired length—typically 1 to 1.5 hook-shank lengths.
Try yellow, brown, or mottled rubber legs instead of white for a different look. Vary chenille color to match local stoneflies.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_us15scqiWw
Credit: Traditional (originated in Montana, 1950s)