In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Hopper Juan Ramirez ties a baetis nymph that should find its way into every angler’s winter fly box, the Bearded Jedi.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
Two food items on nearly every trout’s winter diet are midge and baetis nymphs. Entering into a lethargic state similar to most people during these cold months, trout will continue to eat smaller insects to conserve energy until water temperatures warm with spring. This presents a unique opportunity for anglers to learn new techniques and how important fly selection can be for finicky fish. There are many patterns that are staples for the winter fly box, but the Bearded Jedi is a buggy baetis nymph that every tyer should be taking advantage of this season.
Tying this fly is similar to other baetis or stoneflies, just scaled down. When working with smaller hooks, using a small diameter thread is key to not overbuilding the body and crowding the hook eye. The rib used to build part of the body is a versatile synthetic material that can be applied to countless other patterns and will hold its strength exceptionally well. Add variation to the Bearded Jedi for your specific water and to see exactly what color or combination produces the most consistently.
For finicky fish during the winter, it is common practice for success to drop down in both fly and tippet sizes. This requires weight to be involved if fishing a nymph rig, whether that comes from a bead, wire, or split shot. As always with winter fishing, dress warm and wade carefully, nothing is worth a spill into freezing water. Fish the Bearded Jedi this season with confidence and bring more picky trout to the net than ever before.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Fulling Mill 35005, Size 18
- Thread: Veevus, Dark Brown, B03. 14/0
- Tail: 3 Black Micro Fibers
- Rib: Clear Slim Rib
- Thorax: Natural Ostrich Herl
- Wingcase: Medium Black Holographic Tinsel
Now you know how to tie the Bearded Jedi!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Hopper Juan Ramirez.
