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Damselflies: Flies and Strategies for Stillwater Success

Two fantastic damselfly fly recipes from Landon Mayer.

Damselflies: Flies and Strategies for Stillwater Success

Mayer's Chubby Damsel (left) and Mini Leech Jig Damsel fly patterns.

These two recipes go along with Landon Mayer's article on damselflies in the April/May 2023 issue of Fly Fisherman.


Mini Leech Jig Damsel Fly Recipe

Mayer's Mini Leech Jig damsel
Mayer's Mini Leech Jig Damsel.
  • HOOK: #12-18 Tiemco XT 500 60 Jig.
  • BEAD: Olive/gold Umpqua Radiant Slotted 2.3-2.8mm Tungsten Radiant bead.
  • EYES: Hareline x-small live eyes.
  • BODY: Krystal Flash.
  • WING: Olive Micro Pine Squirrel or tan Micro Mink.
  • THORAX: Olive/tan D Skin pulled over opal large Mylar Tinsel.
  • COLLAR: Large ostrich herl.

Chubby Damsel Fly Recipe

Mayer's Chubby damsel
Mayer's Chubby Damsel.
  • HOOK: #14-16 Umpqua XT050 BN5X Stubby T 10.
  • THREAD: Black/blue 8/0 UNI-Thread.
  • BODY: Kingfisher Blue/ Olive, Ice Dub under
  • FOAM: Blue/Olive 2mm Fly Foam.
  • TAIL FLASH: One strand of black/Olive krystal flash folded over three times 
  • TAIL: Blue/olive Hareline Adult Damsel Body, barred with black Copic marker, tipped with clear resin.
  • SIGHTER: White poly yarn.
  • WINGS: Clear UV Pearl Hareline Grizzly Flutter Legs and Chicone’s Barred Regular Crusher Legs.
  • BACK LEGS: Black Span Flex.



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