I started a tying class a couple weeks ago at a shop I go to from time to time, and we used biots this week. I had not used them until now, and I think they are pretty neat.
So far I have just made bodies out of them. They look like they’d make good tails, too. What else could they be used for besides bodies and tails?
I use them as wings for caddis and small stonefly dries; quicker, easier to tie than duck quills on a Henryville Special.
Regards,
Scott
Prince Nymphs…as a wing of sorts. They can also used as wing cases on nymphs. I’ve seen them used as legs too.
here’s more on them:
Any one else notice that he’s started a fly tying class only a couple weeks ago … and he’s tying like THAT already?!? Good on you, 10!!!
I like the fact that for body material one side gives you a smooth body and using the other side gives you a ribbed body.
The great think about fly tying is you can use materials the way others do or you can invent new uses.
Have fun with the addiction. You will never look at road kill the same way again. 
That is exactly what I was thinking!
I’d love for you to think I’m some kind of super-pupil type, but I ain’t. It’s an intermediate-advanced class.
Oh, and roadkill? I have 2 squirrel tails freezing on the side of the garage right now.
Thanks for the tips, all.
They are also great for the triple spikey tail on dragonfly nymphs.
10,
Don’t matter if it’s an intermediate/advanced class, that’s a very well dressed fly. Well done.
REE
10 - are you using goose biots or turkey biots? I find that I use goose biots for nymphs (like the prince or a hellgramite) and turkey biots for dry fly bodies - turkey biots are a good bit longer.
I’m using turkey.
I love BIOT. Tie in one way and a nice smooth segmented body, turn the other and some really nice ribs.
I also use them for BUGGY legs:
And I agree with Betty…a couple of weeks tying?! Right ON!
Nice work matey!
Fly Goddess, what do you call that and what’s in it?
Fly Goddess, that fly is fantastic! A real nice job of tying…
Jeanne 
Thanks, not my best but I like the BUGGY look and so did the fish:D
10, it is basically a golden stonefly. The tail is Biot, body is yellow and brown wire, Abdomen is peacock ( I love peacock) and the over wing is ORANGE uni-mylar #10. Legs are biot and the bead is Tungsten.
I tied another last night using Yellow wire and BROWN flex tubing. Gives a wider/flat body and I really like that look.
I’ve been using turkey biots for bodies the past several years. They tie fast, float well, and last a long time. I particularly like them to tie Gray Drakes, which are a major hatch on my home river. You use a black biot and more or less rib it with a gray one (of course, visa versa works too). Very nice looking body.
You can also use multiple colors and twist them before you wind them on, you can get some very interesting effects with very little effort.
