Fly Tying Inventory
Whistle Pig Nymph
A simple, effective jig nymph tied almost entirely from woodchuck (groundhog) fur. The pattern uses woodchuck guard hairs for the tail and underfur for the dubbed body and collar, ribbed with copper wire on a tungsten jig hook.
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Materials
Nymph hook, size 14-18 (e.g., Dai-Riki 060 or TMC 3761)
Copper or gold tungsten bead, sized to hook (3/32" for 14, 5/64" for 16-18)
Brown or black 8/0 (e.g., Uni-Thread 8/0)
Woodchuck (groundhog) guard hair fibers, 6-8 strands
Copper wire, small
Olive-brown dubbing blended with a touch of sparkle (Hare-Tron or similar)
Slightly bushier dubbing blend, darker olive-brown
How to Tie the Whistle Pig Nymph
- 1
Step 1
Slide the bead onto the hook and secure the hook in the vise. Start thread behind the bead and wrap a smooth base to the bend.
- 2
Step 2
Select 6-8 woodchuck guard hairs and tie them in at the bend for the tail, approximately one hook-gap in length.
Woodchuck guard hairs are stiff and durable, giving the fly a natural, buggy look.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in a length of copper wire along the shank for ribbing.
- 4
Step 4
Apply dubbing to the thread and wrap a slim, tapered body from the tail to the thorax area (about 2/3 up the shank).
- 5
Step 5
Counter-wrap the copper wire rib forward in evenly spaced turns. Secure and helicopter off the excess.
- 6
Step 6
Apply a slightly bushier dubbing blend for the thorax, filling the area between the body and the bead.
- 7
Step 7
Whip finish behind the bead, trim thread, and apply a small drop of head cement.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t19H8jPxyU0
Credit: Tim Flagler / FFI Fly Tying Group Video Library