Experimental nymphs

[John Gillio]

This first fly was created to immitate a hellgrammite. I have had some luck with other hellgramite patterns for channel cats. My hope is this one will be an improvement over the old patterns.                 

This next fly was created for trout. My plan was to use it in the South Branch Raritan in Jersey this summer, but I expect our annual trip there will be cancelled this yr. The guys at Shannon's fly shop tell me that large black nymphs work well there when the water is discolored.                     

I would guess both patterns would work well on carp. Has anyone out there come up with their own creations this winter or during this time of sheltering in place.

[rich mc]

ive made some longer mop flies. instead of the mop along the whole shank   i put just enough to tie on , then tieon matching color short chenille to wrap the body.  i also do the same on a 1/32 jighead which ends up like a ned rig profile.

[John Gillio]

Sounds good rich. I would guess that along with the extra length you would get some enhanced motion.

[Tom L]

Nice looking flies John. They both could be passed off as hellgrammite or stone fly. What is the underbody of the first fly and what size hook?

[Rob G]

Those are excellent and will fool many a fish.  Nice work John !

[John Gillio]

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Tom, not knowing what it is called, I'll show a photo of the feather used. It is the small piece of feather that is attached to each of these pheasant feathers.                                                               

I placed the beads on the hook, then tied in a piece of this feather on to the right and left side of the fly.  The belly of the fly looks like the back. The hellgi is on a size 4 sproat hook the other is tied on a size 8 hook. I may tie some beaded ones on a size 4. I have had some channel cats hit other hellgrammite patterns on a size 2. The beads are glass. Smallies like hellgies too, but I haven't targeted them with it yet.

[rich mc]

its also known as a shadow feather. once seen a leech pattern made with it .tips of  2 feathers for tail and a few were hackled  on the shank. a 2or 3xl hook was used . took about 6 feathers for whole fly  and a bead head

[John Gillio]

Thanks Rich, that's nice to know.

[rich mc]

i swapped some f;ies with john and i can say the 2nd fly is a bluegill slayer.we caught 20 to 9 inches and fly still looks great       iput it on my fly rod caught a few and grandson said let me try that.. never got it back . 

[John Gillio]

6 hours ago, rich mc said:

i swapped some f;ies with john and i can say the 2nd fly is a bluegill slayer.we caught 20 to 9 inches and fly still looks great       iput it on my fly rod caught a few and grandson said let me try that.. never got it back . 

Glad it catches fish. Can't wait to try it myself, as well as yours.