Paul's April 2015 Fly of the Month

Higa's SOS Nymph

Hook: TMC 2487 or similar, sizes 12-20 (I love it in a size #16 tied small to be more like a size #20 nymph).
Thread: Black, 8/0
Bead:  2.5 mm tungsten.

Tail: 3-4 Black pheasant tail fibers.
Thorax: Black Thread – (For larger flies I use Veevus Iridescent thread.  It has bits of flash in it.)
Rib: UTC ultra silver wire.

Wingcase/shell:  Red floss or UTC holo holographic tinsel.

Abdomen:  Black rabbit dubbing.

Legs:  Black Krystal Flash – two on each side.

Cement:  Coat the wingcase to the bead with head cement or epoxy.

*In my 30 years of doing this, this is one of the best nymph patterns I have ever posted.

This fly was originally tied by a fly fisher from Utah named Spencer Higa.  Spencer is a guide in Utah.  The “SOS” stands for “Saved Our Skins” as it quickly became one of his “go to” flies.   It was originally tied as a baetis imitation but it’s also a great all round attractor nymph.  Initially fished in spring creeks and tail waters, it is a killer for me on the Farmington.   I love to fish it in tandem with another nymph or as a dropper below a dry fly.  You can’t put enough of these in your box !

Begin by placing your tungsten bead on the hook.  Start your thread behind the bead and wrap down a little past the hook barb.  Tie in 3-4 fibers of black dyed pheasant tail.  Now tie in your ultra silver wire ribbing.  Next, form an even body/thorax with your tying thread.  Leave enough room (approximately 1/3 the length of the fly) to dub your abdomen behind the bead.  Rib the body and tie/cut off the silver wire rib.  Next, tie in your floss or tinsel for your wingcase.  Dub your thorax.  Tie in 2 strands of black Krystal flash right behind the bead.  Now fold over your floss/tinsel and tie it off behind the bead.  Your now going to trim you legs (Krystal flash).  There should be two strands per side of the nymph.  Pull the legs to the rear of the fly and trim them just short of the back of the hook.  Finally, put a drop of head cement from the wingcase to the bead to hold things together.  I like to use a small drop of epoxy for durability, a faster sink rate, and added sparkle to the wing case. 

Tightline Productions has a great instructional video on how to tie it.

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 .  This pattern can also be viewed at www.hffa.net .