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The pattern notebook · nymph

Utah Killer Bug

How do you tie a Utah Killer Bug?

Utah Killer Bug is a nymph fly pattern for trout. Find its 4 materials and 11 tying steps below.

Difficulty
1 of 5
Target species
trout

Added to catalog · Updated

At the vise

Materials

  • Hook: Scudd hook, sizes 12-16 (or 2x long for crane fly larva, sizes 10-14)
  • Weight: Lead wire, .015-.025
  • Thread: Pale pink, red, or tan, 6/0 or 8/0
  • Body: Jamieson Simply Shetland Spindrift yarn, oyster

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Tying instructions

  1. Secure the hook in the vise.

  2. Wrap lead wire around the hook shank, 8-10 wraps.

  3. Secure the lead wire with thread, creating a tapered body.

  4. Clip the excess lead wire.

  5. Attach the Jamieson Simply Shetland Spindrift yarn at the hook eye.

  6. Twist the yarn tightly.

  7. Wrap the yarn tightly around the hook shank to create a ribbed body.

  8. Tie off the yarn two turns back from the hook eye.

  9. Clip the excess yarn.

  10. Whip finish.

  11. Clip the thread.

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