NYMPHS & WETS

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CHATTO'S MUDEYE

Mudeyes are the nymphal stage of the Dragonfly. There are two families that are particularly important to freshwater fisher folk in Australia.

The Couta Mudeye is of the Family Aeshnidae, genus Hemianax and is one of the most popular freshwater fish bait throughout Australia. The lava or nymph are quite large and up to 5mm long with a body as thick as a thin pencil (8 :1) with three stubby terminal gills, that present generally as short tails. Their bodies have around 7-9 segments, they have 6 legs and they often have emerging wings. Most appear to be dark olive in colour.

The second family are from the subfamily Synthemistnae genus Hemicordulia and are commonly referred to as Spider Mudeyes. They have the same physical makeup as the Couta Mud Eye except they are only 2-3 cm in length, their bodies are flatter and proportionally wider (4:1) and whilst they are predominately dark olive to brown in colour they may also appear mottled.

Most fly fishers will have one or more flies that they use to represent Mudeyes and these include Craig’s Night-time, Tie Happy Tickler and Micks Mudeye. An alternative Mudeye representation is set out below. It incorporates many of the features of the flies mentioned above and utilizes two of my favourite fly tying materials, Peacock herl and Ringneck Pheasant (Church Window) feathers. Peacock herl is used to advantage in a lot of flies and imparts a natural sparkle. Ringneck Pheasant feathers such as those used in Mrs. Simpson and Hammel’s Killer range in colour from browns through greens and blues and with careful selection you can match the colour of the natural Mudeye. If you don't have Pheasant feathers then dyed Wood Duck feathers or Swamp Hen feathers can also be used.

MATERIALS 

Hook - 6 to 10 Long Shank
Thread - Black cotton
Tag - Purple or my preference a brown / olive matching the wings.
Under-body - Butt end of marabou tag
Over-body & head  -  Peacock herl
Eyes - Plastic or monofilament
Legs - Lower barbules of a Ringneck Pheasant feather
Wings - Ringneck Pheasant feathers

A) Wind the thread in touching turns to the bend of the hook. Tie in a wet tag tail that is between 1 and 2 hook gapes long. The length will depend on the length of the Ring neck Pheasant feathers that you intend to use. Tie the butt ends of the marabou down along the hook shank to form an underbody on the rear 3/4 of the hook shank.
B) Tie in several strands of peacock herl. Form the herl into a herl rope.
C) Wind the herl rope along the rear 2/3 of the hook shank to form a cigar shaped body. Trim the excess herl directly in front of the body.
D) Tie a hackle in in front of the body beard style.
E) Select two Ringneck Pheasant feathers (also known as church window feathers). Tie the first in on top of the fly with the tips extending beyond the fly and just reaching the tips of the tag tail. Repeat this process with the second church window feather. Take the thread to the 95% position.
F) Tie in a set of burnt monofilament eyes or plastic bead eyes. The gap between the eye balls should be about the same as the gape of the hook. Return the thread to back to where the church window feathers are tied in. Tie in some more peacock herl and form another herl rope.
G) Wind the herl rope behind the eyes and in front of the eyes forming a neat head. Trim the excess herl. Whip finish, trim and varnish the thread.