LUCKY GROUCH NYMPH

Hook:    Std. nymph, e.g. Size 8-18 Mustad 3906B
Weight:  Lead wrapped in double layer for bulk For size 14, use about 6 turns of 0.015 lead with 6 additional turns layed on top of the first 6.
Abdomen: Light yellowish cat fur (from cat named TGrouchU)*
Rib (optional): gold wire
Thorax:  Dark gray cat fur (from cat named TLuckyU)*

Wrap hook with thread from front to back. Add lead to hook about 1/3 of the shank length behind eye. [For size 14 hook, wrap 6 turns of lead and then wind the lead backwards over the first layer for another 6 wraps to form a very bulky thorax base.] Overwrap the lead with thread to lock it in. A drop of head cement may be used on the overwrap.

Wind thread to back of hook, starting down the bend. If ribbing is to be used, tie it in as you wind back to the bend. Dub a medium thorax with light yellow fur to just behind the lead. Wind ribbing forward and tie off at the same spot. Dub a bulky loose thorax over the lead with the dark gray fur. Finish with a thread head, whip finish, and head cement.

The bulkier, looser, shaggier the fly, the more productive it has been.

*CAT FUR COLLECTION NOTES
1. The cats do not have to have the same names as ours. Any combination of light and dark cat fur should work.
2. Properly collected fur will be obtained by brushing, or from clumps which the cat has pulled out while grooming itself.
3. Attempts to recycle furballs have been quite unsuccessful.

Allan Fish (AFISH@iquest.net)