Fly Fishing "Damsels"

Thought I would give some time with this post to "Fly Fishing Damsels".

Ok, not this Damsel (although this is The River Damsel, Emily Blankenship)!  She is often who I think of when the words Fly Fishing Damsel are mouthed.  BTW, drop on over and give Emily a pat on the back.  She has taken up fly tying this winter and is doing well enough to have bagged some good trout with her patterns since she started.  I would have expected no less!

But, in the case of this post, what I want to talk about when speaking of fly fishing Damsels is that ever popular sleek swimming, rhythmic, Damsel fly nymph.

Being an avid stillwater fly fisherman for many years has given me plenty of opportunity to see the Damsel fly nymph up close and personal.  I have many great memories of sitting in my float tube during the damsel fly nymphs migration near the surface working their way to shore.  These nymphs, once they make it to shore, climb on vegetation or whatever is available where they go through the beautiful phase of migrating from the nymph to the adult winged Damsel fly.  Many, many beautiful trout have been hooked fishing these Damsel fly nymphs on intermediate or slow sinking fly lines from some of the best trout lakes in the western United States.  Simply put, I love fishing and tying Damsel Fly nymphs!

Recently, I tossed my name in the hat you might say, for a selection of Damsel fly nymphs to be given away over on Facebook from the Dragonfly Angler.  Well, I happened to win the contest and in a few days had a substantial supply of well tied Damsel fly nymphs via John Wood.  Now, John ties some great looking flies.  I would like to share some of John's flies in picture form here on my blog.  John also has his own blog and a website, too!  Please take the time to check out all of his fine work.  He not only ties flies, but, makes some of the most beautiful custom landing nets I have ever seen, among other tidbits on his site.  Keep up the great work, John.   Anyway, here are some pictures of the new Damsel fly booty I now have in my boxes ready for this years Damsel fly nymph migrations.

Bright Eyed Damsel in (4) different colors

Twisted Damsel in (4) different colors

Standard (No Eyes) Damsel Fly Nymph

Yup, John's "Booby" Damsel Fly Nymph

Now, John knew that I have a passion for fly fishing warm waters species.  We talked a little bit prior to him shipping me the Damsel fly nymphs.  Well, what a surprise! When the package came in the mail, along with all the Damsel fly nymphs, John had included some great looking Bass streamers that just plain look exciting to toss for the brutes in the ponds and lakes I fish.  

 Rightfully so, these streamers are called Emotion Detectors!

Look out, big boys I am coming.

Thanks, again, to John Wood of Dragonfly Angler.  Can't wait to start getting these guys on the business end of some fish this summer!