Tellico
The Tellico is a traditional nymph pattern developed in the Tellico River region of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. It is commonly fished as an imitation of a golden stonefly nymph, although it can also suggest a caddis larva, mayfly nymph, or other aquatic insect. The fly is most effective when dead-drifted near the bottom through riffles, pocket water, and fast, well-oxygenated streams. Tellicos are generally tied in sizes 8 through 16 and can be weighted or fitted with a bead when additional depth is needed. The bright body makes it useful as an attractor in cold, high, or slightly stained water, while reinforcing the peacock herl and keeping the shellback centered are the main considerations when tying the pattern.
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Recipe
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Hook · nymph 3X long sizes 10-16
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Thread · black
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Tail · natural guinea body feathers
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Case or shell back · ringneck pheasant tail fibers
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Body · yellow floss
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Rib · peacock herl (single strand)
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Hackle · furnace hen or webby furnace rooster hackle