Rhyacophila

Tungsten bead weighted

I have been dissatisfied with earlier rhyacophila patterns.
The long abdomen of the rhyacophila is green, translucent, clearly segmented and above all, slim.

(Have a look at the photo of one in my gallery - Click here -13th from the bottom of the page)

Translucency has been one problem and to add weight whilst keeping it slim is another.
After several failed experiments I have found that the material known as 'Magic Glass' gives a very good representation of the segmentation and translucency.
I have used flat lead foil as an underbody, painted white with fluoro green over to shine through the latex. I have added more weight by using copper wire for the head and thorax which have a lustrous, rather metallic appearance .

The result is as you see above.

List code LR         12 14 grub hook Kamasan B100        £0.90

The body colour of both Rhyacophilas might vary from light olive to bright green depending on current material stock. (Light olive illustrated)

Rhyacophila beadhead

Tungsten bead weighted

An alternative weighting is provided here by tungsten beads which in the case of Rhyacophila are not far removed from reality. This is tied on a bright nickel-plated hook which shines through and makes it possible to have a very slim body.

List code LT         12 14 grub hook Kamasan B100        £0.90

Ammonite nymph

Colours brown, pink, green Weighted

The Steve Thornton pattern.
Being tied on a grub hook (Kamasan B110) and heavily weighted makes this similar in principle to a Czech nymph.
This generic pattern simulates any insect life which might be found near the river bed.

List code LS         10 12 14 16 grub hook Kamasan B110        £0.95

Ammonite nymph, UpSide Down

Colours brown, pink, green Weighted

Tied on the same hooks as the above, this pattern is intended to overcome the tendency of the standard pattern to remain belly-up in the water. Since the weighted bend of the hook falls through the water, the hook is always point-up. This pattern has its belly on the outside of the curve, i.e. The downward side.

List code LU         10 12 14 grub hook Kamasan B110        £0.95

Grayling grub

Colours brown, pink, green, pale
NOTwWeighted

Tied on size 16 straight hooks, this is a small dressing of the Ammonite type. I suggest their use on droppers, perhaps with a weighted nymph on the point, or on the point as a slow sinker.

List code LG         16 straight Kamasan B175         £0.90

For comparison -
Top: the Ammonites, 10, 12, 14, 16
Bottom: the grayling grubs, size 16.

Baetis nymph, detached body

Colours brown, pink, green. Weighted.

My own design, with similarities to both the Oliver Edwards and the Steve Thornton creations. This pattern offers two other advantages - the detached body is very translucent, and for a given size of nymph a smaller hook can be used.

List code LB         16 Kamasan B175         £1.05

Baetis nymph, standard

Olive or brown. Weighted

I have 'upgraded' this pattern in two respects:
I now use a curved shank 'nymph hook' which results in a much neater nymph with improved hooking.

List code LA         14 16 18 Niche N502 nymph hook         £0.95

Hydropsyche

Weighted

The O. Edwards tying. A good choice for the point.

List code LH         10 grub hook Kamasan B110        £1.50