by Ryan Williams
Hendrickson Nymph
Hook – 2XL Nymph Size 14
Thread – 6/0 Dark Brown Uni-thread
Bead – 2.8mm (7/64) Black Tungsten
Leadwire – .015
Tail – Speckled brown hen hackle fibers
Abdomen – Brown Lifecycle Nymph Dubbing
Rib – Black Krystal Flash
Thorax – Brown Lifecycle Nymph Dubbing
Wingcase – Brown Thin Skin
Collar – ChocolateBrown Ice Dub
This is a pattern that I like to use as a dropper in a multi-fly set up. The tungsten bead and lead wire produces a nymph that sinks fast and gets to where it needs to be. It is simple to tie which is fine with me because I don’t mind if I lose a few during the course of a day. The beauty of this fly is that it pulls double duty, serving as a hendrickson in the spring and an Iso later on in the summer. I have found it to be productive in many local streams and use it frequently as a general prospecting pattern. One of the keys to this fly is the Krystal flash rib. Tie in a folded over piece of krystal flash and twist it with your hackle pliers before winding it forward. It creates a very eye catching rib. I am particularly fond of pearl krystal flash wound through my standard hare’s ears nymphs. Go ahead and give it a try.
