Zirdle Bug Fly Tying Video
Posted on March 4th, 2021
Zirdle Bug Intro
The Zirdle Bug is a red-hot streamer/nymph combo “junk fly” in southwest Montana, particularly on lower-elevation rivers like the Beaverhead, Lower Madison, Jefferson, and Missouri, where crayfish are present.
The secret to the Zirdle Bug’s success is that it looks like a wide range of food items and can be fished in a variety of ways. It roughly matches crayfish, sculpins and other baitfish, as well as stonefly nymphs. I have caught fish on this pattern in the following ways: swung or stripped like a streamer, dead-drifted under an indicator, dragged on a tight line under an indicator, and even in small sizes under large hopper or Chubby Chernobyl patterns. Probably the most popular method to fish the Zirdle is under an indicator.
This one is sort of a tan-copper-brown-orange color, but you can tie them in a wide range of natural and attractor colors. This one is merely intended to serve as an example.
The Zirdle Bug was originally produced by Solitude Fly Company, but is now tied by most wholesale fly companies.
Hook: #4-12 3xl nymph/streamer, here #6.
Weight: .015-.035 lead or lead-free wire, here .035.
Thread: 6/0 to match or contrast the body, here light brown.
Tail: Krystal Flash. Here, root beer.
Body: Brindle chenille, here Amberstone New Age Chenille.
Legs: Medium round rubber, here Wapsi barred rubber in olive with chartreuse and orange specks.
Wing: Standard rabbit strip, here black-barred tan with orange tips.
Fly Tying Vid: Brindle Cripple
Posted on March 4th, 2021
Brindle Cripple
The Brindle Cripple is becoming a favorite bug on the Yellowstone and Stillwater Rivers in September, when it imitates Mahoganies, Tan Drakes, and probably even small grasshoppers. It floats low but well, and it’s easy to see.
Top Missouri River Nymphs in March
Posted on March 4th, 2021
Intro to Top Missouri River Nymphs in March
Late winter and early spring are “pink season” on the Missouri. Top Missouri River nymphs in March are almost all pink. Whether the fish are taking these assorted pink bugs as eggs or dead scuds and sowbugs probably depends on the specific fish. Nonetheless, they work. The key is generally getting them down. These flies should be ticking bottom just on the edge of the current seam in 5-8 feet of water in slow walking-speed runs.
Rainbow Czech Nymph
Rainbow Czech Nymph
This is a great multipurpose nymph that can look like a sowbug, scud, egg, or even a caddis larva. Also try it with the bead replaced with a fluorescent flame “fire bead.” Another good similar pattern is the AMEX, which basically just swaps the abdomen and thorax colors around and replaces the shellback with a tinsel wingcase over the thorax alone.
- Hook: #12-18 scud. Note that you can also tie this fly as a “jig nymph” with the proper hooks and beads.
- Bead: gold brass or tungsten
- Thread: 6/0-8/0 black, pink, or tan.
- Shellback: clear scud back.
- Rib: black wire or midge/micro tubing.
- Abdomen: Wapsi rainbow sow-scud dubbing (note that the Wapsi product is far better than others for this fly).
- Hotspot/Thorax: Bighorn pink sow-scud dubbing, or other hot pink dubbing.
- Head: one or two turns of rainbow sow-scud dubbing.
Pink Firebead Soft Hackle Sowbug
Pink Soft Hackle Sowbug
Various bright pink sow/scud patterns are always favorites on the Missouri at this time, and some get surprisingly complicated. Most years, I do better by following the KISS rule. You’ll use up a lot of firebead flies, mostly because the beads get banged up and lose their effectiveness, and it’s easy to fill your box with this pattern. Experiment with different shades of pink on the body (I typically carry four subtle shades) and tie some of each with light dun and some with cream or white hackle.
- Hook: #16-18 short shank nymph.
- Bead: fluorescent fire orange brass or tungsten “fire bead.”
- Thread: fluorescent fire orange 8/0
- Body: pink dubbing blend.
- Hackle: one or two turns of light dun, cream, or white hen.
Pink Lightning Bug
Pink Lightning Bug
This one likely crosses over between eggs, scuds, and Blue-winged Olive mayfly nymphs. There are many competing variations of this fly. I’ve given the recipe for the one I use the most. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different tail materials, bead colors, metallic or translucent pink body materials, and dubbing blends for the thorax.
- Hook: #16-18 scud.
- Bead: nickel brass or tungsten.
- Thread: hot pink 8/0.
- Tail: A few strands of shell pink Antron yarn, or similar yarn.
- Abdomen: pink Holographic Flashabou.
- Rib: extra small red Ultra Wire.
- Wing Case: tag ends of abdomen Flashabou.
- Thorax: pale pink dubbing blend