Rusher's Steelhead Nymph
Rusher’s Steelhead Nymph is an attractor nymph developed by Jim Rusher and closely associated with New York’s Salmon River. It combines the general profile of a traditional stonefly or large aquatic nymph with bright chenille, flash, and contrasting colors intended to draw the attention of steelhead. The fly is normally dead-drifted near the bottom beneath an indicator, either alone or as part of a multi-fly rig. Rusher’s Steelhead Nymphs are commonly tied in sizes 6 through 12 and in a wide variety of colors, allowing anglers to adjust the pattern for different water clarity and light conditions. Keeping the body evenly tapered, the biot tail properly separated, and the flashy thorax reasonably compact are the main considerations when tying the pattern.
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Recipe
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Hook · #10-14 Daiichi 1710 or other 2x Long Nymph Hook
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Thread · Black, 6/0 or 140-denier
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Body · Ultra Chenille, standard size, in purple, chartreuse, pink, yellow, or orange
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Tail · Black goose biots
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Wingcase · Black Diamond Braid
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Thorax · Chenille or Estaz, pearl or color to match the body
Tying Instructions
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1
Lay a thread base
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2
Splay a pair of goose biots at the bend of the hook and tie it in. Use care to ensure they stay aligned and are parallel to the shank of the hook.
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3
Tie in the chenille at the bend and wrap forward to about just over halfway up the shank
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4
Tie in your diamond braid for your wing casing where you tied off the chenille
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5
Tie in your estaz and wrap two or three times to build the thorax, and tie it off. This should take you close enough to the eye of the hook to eventually build a head.
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6
Pull your wing case over the thorax and tie it off
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7
Whip finish and use your favorite head cement