Directions for Woven Nymphs

Woven nymphs use yarn to create a patterned approach to European style nymphs. The heavily weighted nymphs are tied on curved shank hooks and the woven yarn creates a durable body for the fly. The nymphs are tied with and without beads and the colors are determined by the tier. A combination of light and dark yarn is a common approach with yellow and olive being standard choices. Weaving the yarn requires practice to become efficient with the technique.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • Hook
  • Lead weight
  • 3/0 fly tying thread
  • Yarn
  • Whip finisher
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the hook in the fly tying vise. Make 10 wraps of lead to weight the hook if desired. Cover the lead and the fly tying hook with the tying thread. Wrap the thread forward to the bend in the hook.

    • 2

      Place one piece of yarn against the outside of the hook and make several wraps of thread to secure the yarn in place. Hold the second yarn against the inside of the hook and make several thread wraps to secure the yarn in place.

    • 3

      Wrap the thread to the eye of the hook and use a whip finisher to knot the thread. Cut the thread away from the hook. Remove the hook from the vise and place it back in the vise upside-down and inverted.

    • 4

      Hold one section of yarn in each of your hands. Pull the yarn in your left hand across the belly of the fly and hold it next to your right hand. Pull the yarn in your right hand over the top of the yarn in your left hand. Pull the yarn in your left hand back to the left side.

    • 5

      Wrap the yarn in your right hand around the top of the hook and over the yarn in your left hand. Pull the yarn in your right hand across the top of the hook and to your right side. Repeat the weaving process until you reach the eye of the hook. Tie an overhand knot with the yarn to secure it to the hook shank.

    • 6

      Start the thread at the eye of the hook and make several wraps to secure the base of the weaves to the hook. Use a whip finisher to knot the thread and cut away the thread.