Best 3 Damsel Fly Patterns
Burke’s Dry Damsel
When the fish are taking dries, this is one of our favorite patterns. The spun Antron body naturally mimics the delicate body of the adult Damsel. The natural Hackle points are easy to tie in, cast well, and look much more natural than most synthetics. If you’re a tyer, the deer body hair could easily be replaced by folded over Blue Foam for the same effect.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: Standard Dry Fly Hook Size 10
- Abdomen: Blue Antron, spun and twisted back on itself
- Wings: Natural Light Dun Hackle Feathers
- Body: Blue Deer Body Hair, spun and clipped to shape
- Legs: 3 Pieces of Pale Blue Mini Legs
Belly Flop Balanced Damsel
The balanced style fly has proven itself in still water time and again. The extended bead keeps the fly horizontal in the water. We use this fly on windy days suspended under an indicator, using the waves to give the fly the correct up and down action. It’s also a flashy fly, and sometimes the trout need a little extra stimulation to choose your fly from the hundreds of naturals.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: Daiichi 4640 Size 10
- Thread: 6/0 Uni Thread Olive
- Bead: Gold 1/8”, slid onto a pin. The pin is tied to the hook extending beyond the eye
- Tail: Short Olive Marabou
- Rib: Olive Oval Tinsel
- OverBody: Flat Pearlescent Tinsel
- Body: Peacock Fine Flash Dubbing
Woods Twisted Damsel
This fly is an easy to tie imitation that checks all the boxes. Lots of action, provided by the marabou tail waving as the Bead Chain eyes give the fly a bit of a jig action, which matches the action of the swimming natural. It’s also a very easy fly to tie sparsely, which is very important in damsel nymph imitations.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: 2XL Nymph Hook
- Thread: 6/0 Uni Thread Olive
- Eyes: Chartreuse Bead Chain Eyes Extra Small
- Tail: Damsel Green Marabou fibers flanked with one piece of Pearl Krystal Flash
- Body: Damsel Green Marabou Fibers, twisted into a rope and wrapped
