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Nymph / Pattern notes

Zug Bug

Peacock herl, a barred wingcase, and soft legs create a dark searching nymph.

At the vise
Beginner friendly
Common sizes
#10–16
From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 steps

Follow this base recipe in order. The materials list specifies one hook size; adjust proportions together when tying another size.

  1. Tail and rib

    Start thread and tie a short peacock-fiber tail at the bend. Attach silver tinsel and several peacock herls.

  2. Body

    Twist the herls together and wind a full abdomen. Spiral the tinsel forward to reinforce it, then secure.

  3. Legs

    Tie in a hen feather and make one or two turns ahead of the body. Sweep fibers back and secure.

  4. Wingcase

    Tie a short mallard tip flat over the front of the body, pointing back. Trim butts, whip finish, and cement.

Beyond the bench

On the water.

Drift through seams and pools as a general nymph. Keep the peacock body full without filling the hook gap.

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Recipe references

Original written instructions adapted from the sources below. Materials and methods may vary between versions.

For the same fly box.

Illustration of a finished Prince Nymph flyPrince NymphNymph · #10–18Illustration of a finished Pheasant Tail flyPheasant TailNymph · #12–20Illustration of a finished Hare’s Ear flyHare’s EarNymph · #10–18