Bird’s Nest Nymph

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.

Directions:

1. Wrap 7 – 10 wraps of lead on the hook.
2. Begin thread on hook, cover lead, and wind back to 50% mark.
3. 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.
4. Tie in wire.
5. Dub a tapered body, ending at the 2/3 mark.
6. Bring rib forward in open wraps to create a segmented look and tie off at thorax.
7. Tie in Wood Duck along each side or surrounding body.
8. Add more dubbing to provide a thick thorax.
9. 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:

1. Place bead on hook and add a few wraps of lead.
2. Use a few wraps of lead to keep the bead in place.
3. Start thread behind lead to secure and wind back to 50% mark.
4. 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.
5. Tie in wire.
6. Dub a tapered body, ending at the 2/3 mark.
7. Bring rib forward in open wraps to create a segmented look and tie off at thorax.
8. Tie in Wood Duck along each side or surrounding body.
9. Add more dubbing to provide a thick thorax.
10. Whip finish behind bead.

Other Colors

Black Bird’s Nest

Personal tying notes:

• Use hen fibers for tail and legs.

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.