Jagerboy

Nice set. The nymph really stands out to me. Definitely tying a few of them, I'm certain they will crush fish!

Been doing this for many years on my small nymphs. Much more durable than hackle fibers & adds very subtle flash since the top sides are a bit shiny.

Waist height breathables with *at least* studded boots (prefer studded + felt, I can confidently wade anywhere with them), or wet wade in the summer. I don't use a wading staff, personally. I also often fish right from the bank or very close to it, waders are for if I need to cross or occasionaly help reach a spot. Plus if you're wading over knee height, you're standing where you should be fishing IMO.

I would say ostrich, as you already suggested. Another thought that comes to mind is sparse antron fibers in a dubbing loop in open spirals up the body. CDC, maybe?

TMC 3769 , size 12 Pheasant tail Peacock Hare's mask Marabou Copper wire UTC 70 denier black

Raven & Blackbird tackle make micro swivels (commonly used in float fishing). I've used them on occasion while fly fishing for the purpose you describe. Check out centerpinangling.com.

IMO nymphs for trout ANYWHERE: Hare's ear (natural, olive, black) Pheasant tails (same colors) Prince nymph I nymph probably 99% of the time, and one of these three are on the end of my tippet 99% of that time (hare's ear easily taking the top spot).

Steelhead are #1 for me. Don't get to fish for them as often as I'd like, so trout fill in the gaps. Smallies in the summer when the water's too warm to harass the trout.

I could most definately see a steelhead eating that.

IMO, you should listen to the loud voice. To me, half the fun is creating your own patterns. And yes, many of the flies I just made up catch lots of fish.

Very caddis-like. That will catch fish for sure.

Off topic: what kind of bead is that?? I have some ideas rattling around that I could use them for. On topic: I don't have a computer at home, so I can't post patterns, lol. I know I personally have loads & loads of patterns that have never seen water. Just stuff I've dreamed up that I think may work, but 90% of the time I just tie on a Hare's Ear.

Very cool! Looks like steelie candy to me...

My interest is piqued, I have all sorts of ideas for these. A question though, for those who use them. About the jig hooks, are there any sold with the weight attached already, or is it their "jig hook" with a bead added before tying?? I did a quick search and the only ones I found were just plain hooks. Thanks.

My thoughts exactly. I really like the look of this one, nice job.

Both of them look great, but I REALLY like the 2nd one! Monster browns and smallies beware!

Almost always beaded for me. As a matter of fact, I can't recall the last time i fished a nymph without a bead. As you said, when I'm fishing nymphs (come to think of it, nymphs are pretty much all I fish, lol) I want it as far down in the water column as it can get, as fast as it can get there. Plus the extra flash can never hurt.

That looks like it'd be an awesome nymph for steelies too. Nice tie.

How are you planning on fishing? If you're using it as part of a Chuck-n-Duck rig, it'll serve the purpose, but I certianly wouldn't recommend it. All the mooching reels I've ever seen are just too large to be used as a fly reel. They probably weigh close to a pound or more & 5 - 6 inches in diameter, imagine trying to high-stick all day with that. Even with a traditional cast, your arm would be ready to fall off by the end of the day. As for backing, you probably could use mono, since it was designed for use with it. But, take a look at the capacity. 660 yds of 17# mono. Even if you were to use 30# Dacron (plus fly line taking up more room on the spool), you're probably looking at 300 - 400 yds. I agree with JohnP, there are tons of less expensive (while still being effective) gear out there. I definately 2nd checking out Pfleuger, I've landed tons of kings & steelies with them. I don't own one, but I've heard great things about the Pflueger Trion.

The method I use is completely different from most mentioned here. I don't trim at all before tying in. Cut the hair from the tail, comb out the short fibers and stack. Then measure your wing and tie in with several tight wraps. Grab a small bunch and fold it back, then make 3-4 tight wraps in front of the bunch, locking it into a 90 degree angle to the shank. Repeat until all the butt ends are perpendicular to the hook shank, then trim as close as possible (there will already be a natural taper to follow when trimming). Then just cover the last of the ends with thread. I've never had a wing slip with this method. Use as small a thread as you're comfortable with to minimize bulk. I personally tie almost everything with 8/0 and 10/0 thread. Not the best method if you're going for a very small head, as it takes a little bit of thread to cover the ends after trimming. But, it does create a very nice natural taper on the head.

The smallies will definately love those. I tie something similar on a shorter shank hook and slay smallies on it. Try adding a couple strands of rubber leg material to either side of the tail. Trust me....

Wow, very mature........... I can see you it would be a waste of time even trying to have any sort of intelligent conversation with you. I try to make a point, and you come back with petty insults. I hope I never run into you on the river, I couldn't imagine sharing it with someone as "gracious" and "informed" as yourself.

You're referring to the area below Monument Falls, right? If so, a 4 wt. should work just fine. I fish the Whiteface Mtn/Ausable Forks area every year, and have caught fish on everything from my 000 wt. through 6 wt. It depends (obvoiusly) on your method and flies. The area below Monument Falls is quite popular, and as a result (in my experience) smaller flies and lighter tippet than other areas of the river are a must. There are some BIG fish in there, but if you're comfortable with and know the limits of your tackle, you should be fine. There are plenty of stockers to be had, but there is a large # of wild/holdover fish as well. Be aware also, that any rain is quick to raise and discolor the river. So if it rains for a day, be prepared to bump up the tackle if need be. On the flip side, it comes back into shape quickly too. Off topic: SearchingSolitude, the ignorance of your statement is astounding. #1: Not all New Yorkers kill "every fish they get their hands on". I, for one, release the vast majority of the fish I catch. Yes, I do keep some fish. And, no I do not feel guilty about it. #2: How do you even know the people you are talking about are even FROM NY? Remember, this area is a famous destination for all sorts of outdoor activities. There are plenty of out-of-staters there at any given time. Try going fishing in Pulaski during the salmon run. Look in the parking areas and tell me how many out-of-state licencse plates you see. #3: If this river is managed strictly as put and take, why is the area in question artificials only catch and release? And why was a new artificals only catch and release area established a few years ago? I'm not trying to start a war, but as a New Yorker who actually does respect the resource, I take offense. Please, think before you post something like that next time.

Enough?!? Blasphemy!!!!! In all honesty, I could tie the patterns I fish most often with a handful of materials. But where's the fun in that? I love walking into a shop and seeing some new material(s). Then instantly thinking of new patterns, or new ways to use it in some existing one. And of course, all the available colors must be purchased for "experiments".

Those look great, all the color combos should do well. I've had good luck on the same pattern with a chartreuse tail and legs with white foam on my local smallie streams.