Here is the fly pattern sheet for the Bird’s Nest nymph. It can imitate mayfly and stonefly nymphs as well as caddis pupa.

And a bead head version.

Materials
Hook
Daiichi 1720, #10 – 16 3xl nymph hook
Thread:
Danville 6/0 camel
Weight:
Lead wire
Tail:
Wood Duck
Rib:
Copper, gold, or black wire
Tail:
Wood Duck
Body:
Australian opossum, Haretron, Hare’s Ear, or 50-50 mixture of otter & cream seal
Hackle:
Wood duck
Thorax:
Same as body
Directions:
- Wrap 7 – 10 wraps of lead on the hook.
- Begin thread on hook, cover lead, and wind back to 50% mark.
- Select a few Wood Duck fibers and tie in on top of hook and continue to wrap backwards to barb. Length should be shorter than hook shank.
- Tie in wire.
- Dub a tapered body, ending at the 2/3 mark.
- Bring rib forward in open wraps to create a segmented look and tie off at thorax.
- Tie in Wood Duck along each side or surrounding body.
- Add more dubbing to provide a thick thorax.
- Whip finish behind bead.
The original Bird’s Nest nymph did not have a bead head. Beads can be added for additional weight, either brass or tungsten beads.
Bead Head Directions:
- Place bead on hook and add a few wraps of lead.
- Use a few wraps of lead to keep the bead in place.
- Start thread behind lead to secure and wind back to 50% mark.
- Select a few Wood Duck fibers and tie in on top of hook and continue to wrap backwards to barb. Length should be shorter than hook shank.
- Tie in wire.
- Dub a tapered body, ending at the 2/3 mark.
- Bring rib forward in open wraps to create a segmented look and tie off at thorax.
- Tie in Wood Duck along each side or surrounding body.
- Add more dubbing to provide a thick thorax.
- Whip finish behind bead.
Other Colors
Black Bird’s Nest

Personal tying notes:
- Use hen fibers for tail and legs.
Hooks | Bead | Lead |
Daiichi 1720 #12 | 3.0 mm | .020 |
Daiichi 1720 #14 | 2.4 mm | ,015 |
Daiichi 1720 #16 | 2.0 mm | .010 |
Here is a great Youtube video from Tightlinevideo. They provide terrific fly tying videos.
Click HERE for the Bird’s Nest nymph featured as a Throw Back Thursday Fly.