Twisted Damsel
The Twisted Damsel is one of the patterns I developed for exploring
the great trout stillwaters of the Rockies. If you want a bigger-than-normal
trout, you may want to try a trout lake rather than a river. Lake fish
commonly grow larger and faster than their stream cousins and damselfly
nymphs are one of their favorite foods. This pattern can imitate damselfly
nymphs but will also be taken for midge larvae, baby dragonflies and even scuds.
The combination of two colors of marabou twisted together with the thread
make a better simulation than a solid color and is much more durable.
This method can be used for other delicate materials like peacock herl.
Use the natural tapers of the longest marabou fibers to your advantage by
tying them in tip first. This creates a soft, flowing, tapered, natural
chenille. Many color variations are possible. Try a black pearl glass
bead head, plastic bead eye, a Swiss Straw wingcase, Mylar ribbing,
wire ribbing, a peacock herl head, olive Angora goat for legs or a full
soft hackle.
Materials
Hook: 1X or 2X-long hymph hook, sizes 14 to 8.
Bead-head: Optional: 1/8 inch gold metal or black
glass bead.Thread: Olive 3/0.
Tail: Light olive marabou with Krystal Flash.
Body: Light olive and brown marabou.
Wingcase: Optional: light olive marabou.
Legs: Dyed olive, barred partridge fibers.
Collar: Olive marabou.
Originally published November 20, 2000 on Fly Anglers Online by Larry Tullis.