How to Tie a Bead Headed Nymph

Fly fishing utilizes many different styles of baits and lures to catch fish. One of the most common lures is the fly. The fly is a hook dressed to look like one of the types of natural food sources for local fish. Tying your own flies is a rewarding pastime because you can create your own fly color schemes for the best results. The bead headed nymph is a classic design that is used for trout fishing. Tying a bead headed nymph takes a few minutes to complete.

Things You'll Need

  • #10 hook
  • Lead thread
  • Brown goose biot feathers
  • White goose biot feathers
  • Peacock herl
  • 1/8-oz. bead
  • Fly thread
  • Mono thread
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Instructions

    • 1
      Insert the hook through the bead.

      Insert the hook through the bead. The round part of the bead should be facing towards the top of the hook. Wrap .015 lead wire beneath the bead for about ten to twelve wraps. Break off the excess wire by wiggling it back and forth until it breaks free. Push the lead wire up towards the head if the winding is loose.

    • 2
      Wrap the thread around the base multiple times.

      Wrap the thread around the base of the lead wire multiple times to create a jam so the lead wire will not move. Once the jam is created wrap the thread around the hook until it reaches the same level as the barb on the hook.

    • 3
      Clip any excess biot feathers that point toward the bead.

      Add the brown goose biot feathers to create the tail section of the nymph. Use two biot feathers curling in opposite directions. Make sure the biots are even before wrapping the thread around them. Clip any excess biot feathers that point toward the bead with scissors.

    • 4

      Attach a piece of mono thread to the back of the fly. The mono thread should start at the back same attachment point as the goose biot. The excess should hang off the back of the fly.

    • 5

      Attach the peacock herl to the fly. Cut off the end of the peacock herl before attaching to remove the weakest parts. The herl should be positioned towards the back of the fly. Wrap the thread around the herl and continue wrapping the thread until just behind the bead.

    • 6

      Wrap the peacock herl around the fly moving towards the bead. Wrap the thread around the herl at the bead to hold in place and clip any excess herl that points toward the front. Wrap the mono thread around the herl and bring it towards the bead. Wrap thread around the mono at the bead. Clip excess thread.

    • 7

      Cut the white goose biot feathers to create the nymph wings. Position the wings on the back of the fly. Wrap the thread around the wings. Clip any excess biot that points toward the front. Tie off the thread wrapping and looping on itself multiple times. Clip the thread.