How to Tie the Prince Nymph Fly

Learn how to tie the Prince Nymph fly pattern, including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Improve your fly tying skills here.

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The Prince Nymph is an essential pattern regardless of where you are fishing. Designed by Doug Prince, this fly sinks well, has just enough flash, and fools trout all over. The Prince Nymph is particularly effective in moving water and streams with large stonefly populations. Break out the Peacock Herl and get ready to tie this indispensable bug.

Materials:

We've put together a kit that contains all the materials you need to tie this exact fly pattern.

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• Ahrex FW561 Size 12
• UNI-Thread (size: 8/0 (72D); color: tan) Bead: Hareline Cyclops Bead (size: 1:8"; color: gold)
• Hareline Stripped Goose Biots (color: Prince Nymph Brown)
• Hareline Strung Peacock Herl
• UNI-French Oval Tinsel (size: small; color: gold)
• Hareline Stripped Goose Biots (color: white)
• Hareline Premium Hungarian Partridge Feathers

Step One:

Begin by placing the gold bead onto the hook's head. The bead gives the Prince Nymph a distinct look and helps bring the fly together. It will aid in getting the fly down quickly, as well. Next, tie on the thread right below the bead and wrap it down the shank, stopping right before the hook's bend.

Step Two:

A distinctive split-tail is key to shaping the pattern's stonefly profile. Tie on the first goose biot feather on the side of the shank furthest from you, and secure the feather by making several wraps around it. Tie on the second tail on the opposite side and wrap them both up the shank, so the thread covers the ends of the biots.

Step Three:

Add bulk to the fly's body by tying the oval tinsel from the eye down to the hook's curve. Tie three sections of the peacock herl ribbing fibers on, wrap them down the shank, then work your way back up approximately 75 percent of the hook's length. Next, make evenly spaced wraps with the tinsel around the pattern's body and clip it right below the eye.

Step Four:

Moving onto the Prince's legs, strip the fuzz off the Hungarian Partridge feather and clip the tip, which helps create a V-shaped profile. Place the feather on top of the shank, right below the bead. Ensure the widest part of the feather is facing down; this helps create a buggy leg profile. Clip the top of the feather off and tie the ends down.

Step Five:

For the final section, use the Goose Biot feathers to create the Prince's wing profile. Make sure each wing's length is approximately 80 percent of the tail's profile. Position the first wing right below the bead and tie it down. With the second tail, make an X formation by overlapping the first tail. The X formation is easy and helps create a more durable pattern. Once the second wing is tied, complete the pattern by securing a whip finish.