A nice technique for making realistic mayfly nymph abdomen with simple materials.
- Hook: Mustad S82 # 8-14
- Tying thread: Sheer 14/0 olive
- Tail: Peasant tail
- Abdomen: Larva Lace & peacock herl
- Wing case: Pheasant tail fibres
- Thorax: Peacock herl
- Legs: Peasant tail
The burning away of the peacock herl fibers on the top side is ingenious! It produces a fantastic looking abdomen.
Hi Darrell, yes it works well, you should also try it using ostrich herl on larger patterns.
I will try that! Someone else I was talking to about this technique suggested an ostrich herl as well. You have to be pretty careful with a peacock herl when wrapping it to avoid breaking. An ostrich herl is probably be a little stronger.