A large weighted stonefly attractor with a two-color chenille abdomen and swept hackle.
The Bitch Creek is an older stonefly-style attractor. Its contrasting chenille abdomen and sparse front hackle make a clear silhouette without trying to copy every feature of a natural nymph.
Work through the numbered steps in order, using the materials list and written proportions as your guide.
01
Secure the weighted base
Clamp the long-shank hook. Add a compact run of lead-free wire over the middle of the shank, leaving clear space at the eye. Cover the wire with black thread and taper its ends.
Bench note Leave enough front space for the hackle and head.
02
Set the floss points
Tie a short white floss point at the rear for the tail. Secure a second short piece near the front for the antennae, keeping both sparse and aligned with the hook.
Bench note The floss should remain visible after the chenille is wound.
03
Build the two-color abdomen
Attach copper wire and the variegated chenille at the rear. Wind the chenille forward in close turns to form the contrasting abdomen, stopping before the thorax. Tie it off and wind the copper wire forward in open turns.
Bench note Keep even tension so both colors remain visible.
04
Add the thorax and legs
Secure a black hen feather by its tip. Wind a short black chenille thorax, then wrap the feather sparsely at the front and sweep its fibers rearward. Tie off and remove the excess.
Bench note Avoid a dense collar that hides the two-color abdomen.
05
Finish the head
Form a small thread head behind the eye, whip finish and trim the white points to the intended length. Check that the hook eye and gap remain open.
Bench note A small amount of head cement is optional.
Beyond the bench
On the water.
Fish it near the bottom in suitable current, allowing the weight to bring it into the strike zone. Adjust depth and size to the water, and check local rules before adding weight.