|
Foam Sprawler |
|
This article features a video that's available for members only! Membership is free, Join Now!
Hook: Daiichi 1720, #6-#10 Thread: MFC 6/0 or UTC 140 Olive Body: Foam Body (Plump) Legs: Hen Pheasant Fibers Head: Strip of Tan Sheet Foam Pulled over Light Olive Ostrich Herl Wound Around the hook shank.
Tying Note: Use a variety of permanant markers in shades of olive and brown to match the natural nymphs.
Despite the popularity amongst fly tiers and fly fishers imitating the larger nymphs from the family Aeshnidae the fact remains that the smaller sedentary nymphs from the Lillelulidae family are the most widespread amongst the dragon fly clan. Commonly referred to as “sprawlers” these spider like nymphs are ambush feeders and prefer to lay in wait amongst the bottom vegetation and debris. Chara beds are favorite haunts. The trick to successful imitation of these nymphs is overcoming the challenge of a methodical horizontal presentation without fouling upon the surrounding debris and clutter. For years anglers have utilized creative designs fashioned from spun and clipped deer hair. These designs were and still are deadly but for some they are time consuming and difficult to tie. The Foam Sprawler uses three materials; foam, hen pheasant tail and ostrich herl. A single pattern takes minutes to tie. Adding a custom color scheme is perhaps the most time consuming step. To overcome the inherent buoyancy of this creation use a short leader less than nine feet attached to a fast sinking line. The idea being that the sinking line drags the fly down into the depths hovering it above the weed tops. A bit of experimentation is required to get the leader length just right in order to creep the fly just above the bottom vegetation and debris.
|
