Predator Dragon Nymph (designed to float down there)

Predator Dragon Nymph~by Skip Morris

I saw this pattern and recalled three things about it: I first tied this pattern in 1992 and fished it in B.C. to good affect on lakes around Lac Des Roches (I stayed at some little cabins at Wavey L. and fished surrounding lakes); I bought a variety of thin closed cell foam to tie more of this pattern but never tied the fly again; Tony’s Fuzzy Dragon was tied with the fuzzy foam and weighted with no opportunity to float off the bottom.

This pattern is fished with a faster sinking line to get down to the bottom. The floating Predator is going to sink because it is pulled under by the sinking line. Once the line reaches bottom the length of leader and the speed of the retrieve would determine how far up off the bottom the floating fly can hover. When I fished it in B.C. I used a Type IV line, which quickly drew the fly down. I waited awhile and then started a slow hand retrieve or a slow kick along the shoal’s edge. It did work well and then, of course, I promptly ignored this pattern for years.

Fuzzy Dragon~by Tony Muncy

So, I now wonder if the Fuzzy Dragon was not weighted, would the Fuzzy Foam allow the fly to float? Worth an experiment along with the already proven Predator. Check the below link for tying instructions re The Predator.

http://www.flyfishohio.com/Predator.htm   (Instructions for Predator)

http://swittersb.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/fuzzy-dragon-stillwater-dragon-nymph/

San Juan Worm (no pink condoms? OK, 2nd. best)

San Juan Worm

San Juan Worm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have previously highlighted the Vladi Worm/Pink Condom Fly. I think it is the perfect creation for a heavily weighted point fly while dredging the bottom, ala Czech or Polish Nymphing. The traditional version of the San Juan Worm is unweighted, save the hook and the usual split shot is most often used to sink the fly. The addition of the beads is akin to any bead head fly..added weight, a little flash and more efficient at sinking and tumbling the fly.

So, if you just can’t find those pink condoms or some form of pink latex, then stay with the San Juan Worm and mix up the chenille colors. The link below is informative on how to tie a simple variation of the SJW. A little banjo music included.  

http://flytyer.wordpress.com/2008/01/31/san-juan-worm-aka-garden-hackle/