The pattern notebook · nymph
Herl Nymph
How do you tie a Herl Nymph?
Herl Nymph is a nymph fly pattern for trout. Find its 6 materials and 10 tying steps below.
The Herl Nymph is a simple yet effective fly pattern designed to imitate aquatic insects. It is fished as a nymph and is particularly effective for targeting trout.
- Difficulty
- 2 of 5
- Target species
- trout
Added to catalog · Updated
At the vise
Materials
- Nymph Hook, TMC 3761, sizes 12-16
- Tungsten Bead, 3.2mm, Black
- Thread (70 Denier), Black
- Lead Wire, .015"
- Peacock Herl
- Ostrich Herl, Black
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Tying instructions
Secure the nymph hook in the vise and slide on a 3.2mm tungsten bead.
Start the black thread behind the bead and wrap a base layer rearward to the hook bend.
Wrap 6-8 turns of .015" lead wire around the shank, pushing it into the bead to add weight.
Tie in a 3-inch length of lead wire at the hook bend, extending along the top of the shank.
Select two strands of peacock herl and tie them in over the lead wire at the hook bend.
Wrap the peacock herl forward in touching turns to form a body, stopping 1/4 shank length behind the bead. Secure with thread and trim excess.
Counter-wrap the lead wire forward over the peacock herl body. Secure at the front edge of the body and trim excess.
Tie in 1 or 2 strands of black ostrich herl at the front edge of the peacock herl body.
Palmer the ostrich herl forward to the bead. Secure with thread and trim excess.
Whip finish behind the bead, trim the thread, and apply a thin coat of head cement to complete the fly.