Paul's October 2025 Fly of the Month

 Ritz D Nymph

Hook:  Nymph Hook Size #12. 

Tying thread:   6/0 Black.

Rib:  Copper Wire

Tail:  5-6 Pheasant Tail Fibers

Body: Peacock Herl.

Thorax:  Copper Wire wrapped around the hook shank.

Wing Case:  Butt ends of the Pheasant Tail Fibers used for the tail.

This fly was designed by Fly Tyer Charles Ritz. It’s a ‘classic’ nymph and has been around for a while.  Many Flyfishers like fishing this fly in heavily fished waters.  It’s an alternative to bead head nymphs which experienced trout may recognize and avoid.  It’s also got a more ‘natural’ profile and it gets down deep with its copper wire. 

To tie this fly begin by placing your hook in the vice.  Start your thread behind the eye of the hook and take 5-6 securing wraps.  Cut off the tag and wrap down to the bend.  Next, tie in the Pheasant Tail Fibers for your tail.  The tail is a little heavier than most patterns because the butt ends of the fibers will be used for your wing case.  The tail should extend about a hook gap length beyond the bend.  Next, tie in the copper wire rib.  You are going to need at least a length of 5-6” of wire which will extend beyond the bend of the hook.  Next, tie in 2-3 strands of Peacock Herl.  They will also extend beyond the bend of the hook.   Wrap your thread forward covering the butt ends of the Pheasant Fibers, while anchoring the Copper wire and Peacock Herl.  Stop your thread 2/3rds down the hook shank, leaving enough room for your Thorax.  Do not cut off the butt ends of the Pheasant Fibers.  They will be used for the Wing Case.

Wrap your Peacock Herl forward covering your thread base and forming the body.  Tie it off and cut off the butt ends.  Next, rib your fly with the Copper Wire making spiral wraps up the body.  Tie off the Copper Wire but do not cut off the remaining end.  Bend back your Peasant Tail Fibers rearward.  Bring your thread behind the eye of the hook.  Now bring your Copper Wire forward, and with touching wraps, form a bulbus Thorax.  Tie off the remaining wire.  ‘Helicopter’ off the butt end.  With your thread still behind the hook eye, bring your Pheasant Tail Fibers over your Thorax to form a Wing Case.  Tie off the Fibers, cut off the butt ends, and whip finish the fly.  I like to put a drop of head cement or UV on the wing case for durability. 

There is a great video by Bert Kerstens below on how to tie this fly:

If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of The Month, I can be reached at pdinice@frontier.com .