Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 15

version, I allow them to move
onto other familiar tying
patterns such as a Hare's Ear
or Prince Nymph.
When designing a
multitude of patterns, create
six to 12 trailer sections.
Then, connect the trailer
sections to the leading hooks
to finish. This makes for an
assembly line style of creating
patterns to stock the fly
box, and it allows your tier
to become proficient in the
wiggle nymph technique.
Wiggle nymphs provide a trigger for fresh and active steelhead that prefer movement.

Remove the fly from the vice, and use wire cutters to carefully
trim the hook curve off. This should be done by an adult until
kids learn how to effectively and safely accomplish this task.
To tie the front fly, place the leading steelhead-style hook
in the vise, thread the heavy monofilament line through
the tail section and hook eye. Then, loop the line onto the
leading hook shank. Tie it securely down along the shank
with the thread by fastening the monofilament line to create a
horizontal loop. This step will allow the trailer to swing freely
behind the leading hook. At this point, some tiers will add an
adhesive such as super glue to further secure it.
Finish off the Pheasant Tail Nymph with the thorax
section. The fly tier can either match the trailer materials or
add some flash into the leading fly such as Ice Dub, hot spot
or flashback shuck.
This fly construction gives them the feel for the wiggle
nymph technique. Once my students have tried this

Wiggle variations

Tiers also incorporate
articulation into their
patterns by using premade posts for the tail section. Readymade extended posts can be purchased through fly shops
or tackle retailers. Ready-made extended posts allow the
process to be cleaner and neater and eliminate trimming
the hook bend.
For the tail section, some tiers double up a small piece
of wire instead of a hook and place it in the vise. Leaving
a loop at the bent end, they cover the rest of the wire with
thread, add a tail and dubbing. Then, they attach the loop
to the main fly with line. At a lesser expense and with no
trimming needed, these lures can be tied quickly and allow
for many combinations of trailers and lead flies.
Research some different patterns and techniques to try
with your young tier such as Dave Whitlock's Damselfly
Wiggle Nymph or Greg Senyo's Wiggle Stone. Techniques
on fishing wiggle nymphs during steelhead season include
dead drifting, twitching or swinging. In colder water, I
prefer the drag free drift. In warmer winter temperatures, I
apply some movement.
Try out some wiggle nymphs on the vise this winter, and
enjoy tying together.

Pheasant Tail Nymph

For crafting multiple wiggle nymphs, have your tier produce a
few trailer sections first, then attach each trailer individually
with monofilament line to the lead fly.
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Trailer Hook: #10-16 nymph hook
Thread: Black 6/0
Rib: Gold or copper Ultra Wire
Tail/Abdomen: Pheasant tail
Connector: 10- to 20-pound monofilament line
Leader Hook: #10-16 wire steelhead hook
Thread: Fiery orange 6/0
Optional: Bead head
Thorax: Peacock Ice Dubbing
Wingcase: Tinsel or scud back
Legs: Pheasant tail fibers or goose biots

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2019

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019

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