Paul's June 2016 Fly of the Month

Tungsten Torpedo



Hook:  Jig Hook Size #14 to#18.  (I use Allen Fly Fishing J100 BL hooks.)

Tying thread:   Olive 8/0 Uni Thread.

Bead:  Gold Tungsten Bead, slotted or regular.  (I also use copper & rainbow colored beads).

Weight:  5-6 wraps of .015 lead behind the bead.

Tail:  Cul de Leon feather fibers.  (I’ve also used wood duck).

Abdomen/Body:  Olive Thread.

Rib #1:   Small Uni Wire - Gold.

Rib #2:   Sulky Metallic Black Tinsel.  (This is a thin flash material.  If it isn’t

                available at your local fly shop many craft stores carry it.)

Thorax:  Synthetic black Peacock dubbing.

Here’s is yet another great nymph pattern tied on a jig hook with a tungsten bead.  I’ve been fly fishing for a number of years, but this year I’m having my best spring ever bringing trout to the net.  Why?  Well I’ve done two things completely different from what I’ve done in the past.  The first is that I’ve been making my own “euro-nymphing” specific leaders.  (Saving some money doing that too!)  The second is that I’m fishing a lot of flies with tungsten beads tied on a jig hook.  Not only do they get down into the water column, but they have great hooking power as well. 

Begin by placing your gold tungsten bead on the hook.  You can use a “slotted” or traditional bead.  Next begin your thread behind the bead, cover the lead, and wind down to the bend of the hook.  Form a slender tapered body.  Next tie in your Cul de Leon fibers to create a tail.  The tail should be approximately the length of the hook shank.  Next, tie in your ribs, the black tinsel first and the gold wire second.  Bring your thread up behind the bead.  Wrap/palmer your gold wire forward.  Tie it off behind the bead.  Next, palmer/wrap your black tinsel forward.  When you do, be careful to locate your wraps between the previous wraps of gold wire.   Tie it off behind the bead.  You can also coat the body/abdomen with “hard as nails” to give it a little more durability.    Next, dub your thorax behind the bead.  Tie and cut it off.  Cut and tie it off your thread with a whip finish behind the bead.  Apply a drop of head cement if you so desire. 

A gentleman by the name of Gilbert Rowley of Fly tying 123, has a great instructional video on how to tie this pattern below.

If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of the Month, I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or e-mail me at pdinice@frontier.com .