Forked-Tail Nymph SBS

[ScottP]

The Forked-Tail, tied with a black (or brown) ostrich herl body, was developed in the 30's by Don & Dick Olsen and popularized by Doug Prince; he came up with that peacock-bodied pretender-to-the-throne variation that bears his name. Can't argue with peacock, but the ostrich looks cool, too, and is a nice change of pace.


hook - Mustad 79580 #6
thread - Danville 6/0 black
underbody - non-tox wire .025
tail - biots black
rib - silver wire x-fine
body - ostrich herl black
hackle - hen black
legs/feelers/wings/whatever - biots white



Part 1


mash barb, wrap shank with non-tox





start thread, wrap underbody; taper front and back





even up biots, curving away from each other





measure for length (hook gap), tie in and smooth butts







tie in rib





measure a pair of biots (shank length), moisten (makes them more pliable), tie in a "V" over the eye, curving down; when folded back, I've found this way allows for a neater head