This is a "parasol" nymph pattern from Fran Betters in his fly tying book.
He mentions coming up with this pattern in the early 50s around high school age. He had noticed trout feeding on nymphs several inches below the surface of water. He found using a "bobber" to be difficult to set the hook, cast and manage on the water...yet the bobber concept held a clue.
He came up with the idea of tying onto the nymph a small deer hair float that would act as an indicator, float the nymph just under the surface and still allow him a direct connection to the nymph.
He tested it and it worked great.
Deer hair ball indicator:
Small clump of white deer hair and tying thread.
Nymph:
Hook: nymph hook 14, 16, 18.
Tail: Australian possum guard hairs tied short
Rib: small copper wire
Body: Australian possum fur - light tan tied thin
Thorax: Australian possum fur light tan tied thick
Wing case: black foam or turkey tail fibers
Tying thread: Olive
Enjoy!
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