The Wild Fishing Forum

During my Stillwater days this was my most consistent fly. It is a classic example of simple is best. I normally fished this ?dead drift? on the point with the Video Buzzer (http://www.wildfisher.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4958.0)
on the dropper. This two fly combination probably accounted for 60 or 70% of my fish throughout the season.
This is a quick, simple and very durable fly to tie.

Instructions assume right-handed tyers.

HOOK ? Kamasan B175 #10
THREAD ? Neon Madeira Embroidery thread No40
RIB ? Medium Pearl Tinsel
TAIL ? Olive Marabou
BODY ? Olive Ostrich Herl
HEAD ? Thread
WEIGHTING ? Lead Wire (optional)

STEP 1
Apply a drop of Superglue to the hook shank and over-wrap with lead wire.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/scotfly/damsel.jpg)

STEP 2
Attach the thread and over-wrap the lead wire, then catch the rib in under the shank.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/scotfly/damsel-1.jpg)

STEP 3
Prepare a small bunch of marabou and tie in. Use the bulk of the marabou to even out the body.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/scotfly/damsel-2.jpg)

STEP 4
Tie in 3 or 4 strands of Ostrich Herl. Take the thread to the head.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/scotfly/damsel-3.jpg)

STEP 5
Twist the Herls into a rope and wrap to form the body, tying off at the head.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/scotfly/damsel-4.jpg)

STEP 6
Wrap the rib forward and tie off at the head.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/scotfly/damsel-5.jpg)

STEP 7
Form the head and whipfinish. Then tear the tail to length and brush the body with Velcro to release all the trapped fibres, before varnishing for the completed fly.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g8/scotfly/damsel-6.jpg)