Tungsten Bead Head Attractor Nymph

This nymph pattern has proven deadly on big rainbows when fishing on the Ohau A Inlet Wall near Twizel. It is, for the most part, an attractor fly. The Black Tungsten Bead Head Attractor Nymph doesn’t represent any particular insect though it could be taken for a blowfly or perhaps a spider.

It is first and foremost designed to draw attention to itself. The body is tied from Estaz, which is similar to Crystal Chenille, but with extra sparkle and animation. The soft rubber legs provide movement to make the fly appear more lifelike.

The tungsten bead head provides weight to take the fly down deep in the swirling whitewater of the “washing machine” and also provides a reflective surface.

For good measure, I’ve also included a thin strip of Aurora shirt. The staff glows in the dark when charged with a torch. It will also be effective when used in deep water at dawn and dusk.

The Tungsten Attractor Nymph is tied on one of my favourite hooks; the black magic A size 8 wet fly and nymph hook. These are very strong. I have never had one break, or open out, yet even on the heaviest fish.

Begin by slipping the tungsten bead on to the hook. You might need to use pliers for this. Then under-bind the hook. I used 6/0 black Uni thread which is strong but not too thick. Build up sufficient thread behind the bead to lock it in place against the hook eye and add a dab of cement for good measure.

For the tail all that is required is a small clump of fibres pinched from a black hackle. You could also use squirrel tail dyed black.

Next, I’ve used black Swannundaze to create the abdomen of our little insect. This stuff is a soft flexible plastic that is flat on one side and half-round on the other. It makes excellent segmented and ribbed bodies. I only needed four turns altogether.

Tie-in the end of the black Estaz and wrap down to the tungsten bead head. You don’t need much Estaz just a few turns. This stuff adds real sparkle and a few turns will do the job and is a good economy.

Tie in a short strip of Aurora skirt to the top of the thorax. This material glows very brightly when charged with a torch. You only need about 5mm.

Finally, tie on the rubber legs to either side of the thorax just behind the bead. Don’t be too stingy. You need about 40 mm tied in the middle to give you four legs altogether. If you make the legs too short they won’t provide enough movement.

I gave some of my freshly tied Black Tungsten Bead Head Attractor Nymphs to a couple of mates who had immediate success with them on big rainbows. I’m sure that rainbows, in particular, are attracted to anything with a bit of sparkle and flash. This nymph does the trick nicely and is well worth a try. You could say the combination of features means this nymph has all angles covered.