Theo’s Golden Balls Nymph
Those who use the various long-leader nymphing tactics will find this fly a very good one to get deep and stay deep. And although Theo ties it in 10 and 12, it is effective down to 18—adjusting the bead size to the hook size, of course.
I like to use it as the top fly in a two fly rig. The heavy weight keeps it right among the cupboards of the bottom. Behind it I will trail a small midge larval imitation or caddis larva style fly (a la the Czech nymphs). A great combo.
Theo’s Golden Balls nymph.
Hook :TMC 3761 # 8 – 10 – 12
Thread : Black or dark brown (try magenta, too)
Tail : Pheasant fibers
Beads : 2 or 3, 2 mm gold
Ribbing : Flat gold tinsel, twisted Flashabou, or gold wire
Wingcase : Antron yarn or similar—try several darker colors
Cement : Epoxy or bug bond
1. put the beads on, and tie in a tail of pheasant tial fibers.
2. Tie in the gold tinsel rib, pheasant taoil fibers for the abdomen, and the Antron for the covert.
3. Wind the pheasant tail fibers for the abdomen, and rib with the tinsel. I like to use gold wire to not only add more weight, but to really protect the pheasant tail fibers. I counterwrap the wire so it crosses the pheasant tail fibers in the opposite direction they were wound.
4. Pull the Antron tightly over the top of the beads and tie off at the head—clip away the excess.
5. Give the covert a coat of epoxy or better yet, a coat of thick UV set head cement. Fish with confidence and excitement.