Pats rubber legs are probably the most common stonefly nymph fly ever created. They are in almost every fly shop across America, and for good reason. Since it was first created back in the mid 90's by Pat Bennett, fishermen have gravitated towards this fly due to it being extremely easy to tie, cheap in materials, and very effective at representing stonefly nymphs and catching fish. Being so easy and cheap in materials, they are usually one of the less expensive flies at fly shops, and they are super quick to fill your box with if you're tying them yourself. That is saying a lot being a stonefly representation. Stonefly patterns usually take forever to tie, but this Pats Rubber Legs is easier than almost any nymph out there, stonefly or not.
Now I want to mention that the Pats Rubber Legs is basically the same thing as the Girdle Bug, which came out in the 30's. The only difference is that the newer Pats Rubber Legs uses variegated chenille for a mottled look rather than standard plain chenille. And Instead of round rubber legs, they use the spanflex. It's tied the same way, and besides the material change, they look almost identical. So basically this pattern has been around since the 30's and still is one of the best stonefly flies to this day. That is saying a lot!
I included this Pats Rubber Legs in my winter fly box series for a few reasons. First, these are large flies that get the fish's attention. As I mentioned in this video, there aren't many food sources in the winter and trout aren't out actively looking for food. However the occasional nymph will get dislodged from a rock, and if a trout sees a big, nutrient packed stonefly going by, they won't hesitate to move for it, as they rarely get big meals like this in the winter. Second, since they are tied on large hooks, and covered by chenille, it gives the opportunity to add a lot of lead wire wraps, making these extremely heavy. And winter trout tend to cozy up in deep holes, so this fly allows us to get down deep, very quickly, to where the trout are. Third, these are extremely easy to tie, once you get the hang of them, and use cheap materials. I can whip up 15 or more in an hour, allowing me to fill a box very quickly. Since I fish very deep, almost drudging the bottom in the winter, I have the tendency to snag up and loose flies often. I dont want to loose a ton of flies that take me forever to tie, or cost a lot in materials. These allow me to fish deep without much worry, since I will not be loosing flies that hurt to loose. These are the reasons why, the Pats Rubber Legs are some of my favorite flies to fish with during the winter.
These work for more than just Trout. The Pats Rubber Legs use lots of rubber leg material, I mean its in its name... And we all know how much sunfish and bass love the movement of these little rubber legs. I bring these flies out in the spring and summer to fish for bass and sunfish as well, both in lakes and streams. These are some of the most effective nymphs you can fish for these fish, making the Pats Rubber Legs extremely versatile. So whatever I dont loose in the winter, while fishing for trout, I will hold onto and use in the summer for bass and sunfish.
Check out my sponsor Risen Fly for incredible deals on hooks, beads, and some of the best fly rods I’ve ever used. Use the code McFly at checkout for 15% off your first order at www.risenfly.com.
You can also pick up my fly boxes through my Amazon storefront here: www.amazon.com/shops/McFlyAngler
If you enjoyed this video, please like, comment, and subscribe for more fly tying tutorials, bass fishing tips, and fly fishing gear reviews.
Materials
_____________
Hook: Risen 200 - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/hooks/products/streamer-200
Weight: Lead Free Wire (0.020") - https://amzn.to/49TxRnm
Bead: Risen Tungsten (4.5mm) - https://www.risenfly.com/collections/beads-and-weights/products/round-t…
Thread: Veevus 6/0 (brown) - https://amzn.to/4sTS0SG
Body: Variegated Chenille (black/brown) - https://amzn.to/4pNrE1Z
Legs: Bug Legs (medium/black) - http://www.flytyersdungeon.net/Materials/Chart_Bug_Legs.htm
1st Resin: Solarez Ultra Thin - https://solarez.com/fly-tie-ultra-thin-bone-dry-clear.html
2nd Resin: Solarez Thin - https://solarez.com/fly-tie-thin-hard-formula.html
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ My Fly Boxes▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Magnetic Fly Box - https://amzn.to/3DBwPQl
Silicone Fly Box - https://amzn.to/40haoIX
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Follow Me on Social! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcflytier/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcflyangler/
- Log in to post comments
