Among the many stillwater fly fishers, damsel nymph patterns are the starting point to a day’s fly-fishing. Damsel flies are perhaps the one insect associated with stillwater fly-fishing. The keys to any successful fraud are a slender profile, the head and eyes are the widest feature, and animated materials such as marabou or rabbit fur to suggest the sinusoidal motion of the natural nymphs. At certain times their laborious method of propulsion becomes the primary trigger for trout and consistent success can be almost impossible.

The Rabbit Damsel is a lean dressing that incorporates a complimentary color of Angel Hair to rib the body and mingle with the legs to provide an added touch of attraction. A long tuft of rabbit fur suggests the unique paddle shaped lamellae of the nymph along with much needed motion. Rabbit fur is a durable substitute to traditional marabou and is readily available either as a complete hide or from "Zonker" strips.

When damsels are active such as during an emergence floating, intermediate and intermediate tip lines are the tools of choice. Don’t forget that damsels are a stillwater staple and should be considered at any time throughout the stillwater season. Favored haunts include long stemmed weeds such as lily pads where they perch inverted ready to ambush any food item the same size or smaller than themselves. A steady slow hand twist with frequent pauses works best. Be prepared for the grab on the pause.

Back