Flies

BIRD’S  NEST

Origin

Cal Bird of Reno, Nevada originated this fly, an all purpose pattern that is an imitation of an emerger. Cal has been fishing and tying flies since 1959. This has become a very popular wet fly pattern, especially in the West. 
In describing the tying of the Bird’s Nest, Cal states that he adds the hackle by several different methods, “so I chose the method that I feel allows the greatest flexibility”. The Bird’s Nest can also be tied in other colors – cream, olive, and brown; and can be weighted or unweighted.

Pattern

    • Hook        wet fly or nymph hooks, 1X or 2X long, sizes 8 to 18
    • Thread      tan or brown
    • Tail           mallard or teal flank feather fibers dyed bronze
    • Rib           small copper wire
    • Abdomen   natural grayish-tan Australian opossum or #16 Buggy                      Nymph dubbing
    • Hackle       mallard or teal flank feather fibers dyed bronze
    • Thorax      natural grayish-tan Australian opossum or
    •                    #16 Buggy Nymph dubbing

Tying Instructions:

  • Wrap on a thread base on the hook and cement in place
  • Attach the tail material making the tail about the ¾ the length of the body
  • Tie in the copper wire at the bend of the hook – use an “L” or “U” to secure in place
  • Dub a slightly tapered abdomen up two-thirds of the shank
  • Counter wrap the copper wire and tie off at the end of the abdomen
  • Tie on the hackle feathers at the ¼ point and roll around the hook
  • Build a thorax over the front of the hook
  • Build and complete a thread head, whip finish and cement the headept back

Flies  Imitated:  This fly does not directly imitate any single fly, but can be used for both caddis and mayfly.

How to fish: Dead drift slightly under the surface.

Gary Kutz, Golden State Flycasters, March 2006