How To Tie A Steelhead Nymph

Join Karl as he ties a steelhead nymph, including a video tutorial and full material list. Improve your fly-tying skills and know-how here!

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Whether you're a seasoned fly tyer or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will help you create a highly effective nymph fly that steelhead can't resist. We'll cover the materials you need, the tying process, and tips for making your fly as attractive as possible to these elusive fish. Be sure to watch the entire tutorial and share your own tips and experiences in the comments. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube page for more fly tying tutorials and fishing tips!

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Materials:

Hook: Daiichi 1150 (size 8)

Thread: UNI Waxed 6/0 (Dark Brown) and 70D UTC Ultra Thread (Fl. Chartreuse)

Tail: Natural Pheasant Tail

Body: Hareline STS Trilobal Dubbing (Olive)

Adhesives: Loon Clear Fly Finish (Thick & Flow)

Step 1

Begin by creating a thread base with your brown thread, starting just behind the hook eye and wrapping back to the hook bend.

Step 2

Tie in a small clump of Pheasant Tail fibers (8–12 fibers). The tail should be approximately one hook shank in length.

Step 3

Set the brown thread aside without cutting it. Using Chartreuse thread, build up a smooth, tapered abdomen along the lower ¾ of the hook shank. Complete 1–2 whip finishes at the ¾ point and trim the Chartreuse thread.

Note: The Chartreuse thread is used only for the abdomen.

Step 4

Pick up the brown thread and wrap it forward over the Chartreuse abdomen in evenly spaced turns, leaving a small gap between each wrap to create the ribbing effect.

Step 5

Using a bodkin, apply a small amount of Thin UV Resin to the abdomen. Work the resin evenly with the bodkin to create a smooth, uniform finish. Cure fully with a UV flashlight.

Step 6

Tie in a second clump of Pheasant Tail fibers, slightly larger than the tail clump, on top of the hook shank. These will form the wing case.

Step 7

Create a dubbing loop using Hareline STS Trilobal Dubbing in Olive. Wrap the loop forward to build the thorax, tying it off just behind the hook eye.

Step 8

Using your thumb and forefinger, stroke the Olive dubbing fibers back to the sides. Fold the Pheasant Tail fibers forward over the top of the thorax to form the wing case. Tie off just behind the hook eye, trim the excess, and complete 2–3 whip finishes.

Step 9

Apply a small amount of Thick UV Resin to the Pheasant Tail wing case using a bodkin, keeping the resin contained to the fibers only. Cure fully with a UV flashlight.

Step 10

Your Steelhead Nymph is ready to fish! This is an excellent pattern to swing on the swing for fall Steelhead runs.