I was given a link to troutnut.com in my nymph coloring thread. After looking at a number of the photos on that site, I noticed that the vast majority, if not all, of the hendrickson nymphs had a section of light color on their abdomen. Soooo, my question is…Does anyone tie in a light section on the abdomen of their hendrickson nymphs? Am I getting too specific with my nymphs? Should I simply continue to use general imitations or are specific imitations a better option?
Tight Lines
Jeff
The stream I fish that has a decent Hendrickson hatch is small and mostly pocketwater. At the time of year the hatch is coming off, there’s usually a pretty good flow and the fish only have enough time for a quick look before food or fly has come and gone. Although I don’t fish nymphs there, I’d imagine a Hare’s Ear in the right size would get the job done. The trout aren’t real picky about duns - as long as the fly is close in color/size they at least give it a look; they’re more discriminating during the spinner fall, but that’s usually in slower water.
Regards,
Scott
Yes, The abdomen on my hendrickson nymph is lighter than the thorax and wingcase.
The ‘ventral’ side of the abdomen is usually lighter than the ‘dorsal’ side, if that is what you mean.
How you account for this is up to you. I don’t believe most tyers go into that much detail though.
A ‘weave’ is one way you can do it, but there are other ways too.
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/advanced/part4.php
i think he means this
Yes that’s exactly what I’m talking about.
Quill Gordon,
I know about a weave, but what are the other methods that you hinted at.
Quill Gordon,
I know about a weave, but what are the other methods that you hinted at.[/QUOTE]
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FF,
If I were tying a ‘hendrickson’ ( other than the traditional pattern) and I wanted something similar to a ‘weave’, I would tye something like Leroy Hyatt tied in episode 313 ( Harvey’s stone). With the ‘mottled feather’ ( dorsal side) you could get the color bands on top. You could also get a similar look by using ‘larve lace’, as a back or ribbing. You could then mark the top of the ribbing with a marker pen. Many guys use marker pens to get the coloring needed; thus they don’t need the exact material to get the right look.
I know this is a ‘stone’ pattern, but I’m just using it as an example that is similar to a ‘weave’.
*** See Episode 313… #2
http://www.kwsu.org/Offers/FlyTying.aspx
Thanks for the link! I’m not sure I understand though how that’s similiar to a weave. I can see where it might give a mottled look to the abdomen, but I don’t see how it would give the lighter colored section in only one place.
It doesn’t give you what you initially wanted… the video pattern is similar to the weave( light bottom/dark top).
i have them tied both ways, with and without the band
these are from a complete life cycle set tied by Rene Harrop (without the band)
these are with the band but i have no recollection where they come from
Good morning Normand,
Very nice photos and ties!
Those patterns will certainly catch fish. I think it should be said that all hendrickson nymphs or any other nymphs are not exactly alike. The coloration depends on the characteristics of that stream.
If you want to be particular for that exact nymph, you should look at the natural an tye it accordingly.
Of course that is a lot of work, if you choose to do that.
Normand,
nice looking flies. In the first photo, what is used for the loop on the thorax?
QG,
I see what you’re saying now. I was looking for a weave of sorts. I didn’t understand you only meant a seperation of colors from top to bottom.
cdc feather
Hendrickson colors vary from one stream to another greatly, not to mentiom even color changes within even a county let alone a state. I would not worry about it unless you are tying for museum quality . if a fish is gonna ,its gonna eat.
I put the light band on mine also.
By the way nice ties Normand!!
wet