JAB's NORCAL Nymph

Here's a secret pattern...  It is my NORCAL (Northern California) Nymph. Suggestive of many aquatic insects this pattern really shines in pockets and fast water- especially in the fabled streams of Northern California.

I've updated a few of the materials over the years to speed up the tying time.  I no longer use epoxy to coat the wingcase and Black Ice Dubbing has replaced peacock herl.   I feel the wing case has a lot of more visual "pop" against a darker thorax.

Materials:

Hook: Daiichi 1120 sizes 12-18

Bead:  3.2mm Brite Bead, Gold (or size appropriate to hook)

Thread (Body):  Black (I am tying with 10/0)

Tail:  Golden Pheasant Tippets, Dyed Black

Ribbing:  Red UTC, Fine (size appropriate to hook)

Wing Case:  Hareline Flash Back, Peacock

Thorax:  Ice Dubbing, Peacock Black

Legs:  Benecchi iridescent thread, Peacock

Step 1:

Starting just behind the bead and wind thread in close even wraps rearward to the stopping point pictured. The thread will be the body of the fly.  Strive for a clean looking body.

Step 2:

Select 4 to 6 golden pheasant tippets and secure with even wraps back to the bead.  The length of tail is approximately one hook gap.

Step 3:

Tie in red copper wire even with the far side of the hook shank and wrap in close even wraps to the end of the body.  The return to the bead area.

Make even segmented wraps forward.  In the thorax area your wraps should be close together. This adds a little weight and builds the thorax up a little.

Step 4:

Cut a piece of Hareline's Flash Back approximately 3-inches long and 1/8th-inch in width.  I would recommend doubling the material.  Tie in and secure stopping at approximately the hook point.

Step 5:

Dub thorax of Ice Dubbing forward. Do not crowd the eye.

Step 6:

Bring wing case over the thorax and secure with a couple of wraps of thread. Cut approximately 5-inches of Bennechi's iridescent thread.  One end should be unraveled exposing the flash material (similar to Krystal Flash) and several smaller nylon fibers.  Remove the smaller fibers and discard. Double material and tie in one side.  Make a half wrap over the around with the other end behind the bead and secure.

Step 7:

Dub a little more Ice Dubbing in front of wing case and behind the bead.  Whip finish.  Add a drop of UV resign to the wing case and a top coat of Hard As Nails.  She's all ready to hunt.

Enjoy!