How to Tie the Match Brown Nymph Fly Pattern: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fly Tying

Mar 22

With: Geoff Johnston Fly-fishing and Fly Tying

The Match Brown Nymph is a versatile pattern that imitates a variety of stonefly and caddis nymphs, making it a perfect choice for targeting large species in rivers and streams.

Materials:

Hook: Size 6-12 nymph hook
Thread: Brown or tan thread
Body: Brown dubbing (stonefly or caddis color variations)
Thorax: Dark brown or black dubbing
Tail: Brown or black biots
Wingcase: Dark brown or black thin skin or similar material
Legs: Brown or black rubber legs or pheasant tail fibers
Bead: Optional, for weighted version

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Start with the Hook and Thread

Begin by placing your hook securely in the vice. Attach the brown or tan thread to the hook, wrapping it toward the rear of the hook, stopping just before the bend.

2. Prepare the Tail

Cut two brown or black biots to length (around 1.5 times the length of the hook shank) and tie them in at the bend of the hook. This will form the tail of the nymph. Secure the biots with a few tight wraps and trim any excess.

3. Create the Body

Using brown dubbing (stonefly or caddis colors), create a dubbing noodle on your thread. Wrap this noodle around the hook shank, building up a tapered body that’s thicker toward the rear and slimmer near the thorax area.

4. Add the Wingcase

Cut a small strip of dark brown or black thin skin (or a similar material). Tie it in along the top of the body, just behind the thorax area. Leave some length extending over the back to form the wingcase.

5. Tie in the Legs

Using rubber legs or pheasant tail fibers, tie in two pieces on each side of the fly, just behind the thorax. These will imitate the legs of the nymph and add some movement in the water.

6. Form the Thorax

Using dark brown or black dubbing, create a small, tapered thorax and wrap it just behind the wingcase. This should create a pronounced, slightly thicker section right behind the wingcase.

7. Fold Over the Wingcase

Pull the thin skin (or similar material) over the top of the thorax and tie it down securely behind the bead (if using) or hook eye. Trim any excess material.

8. Finish the Fly

Whip finish the fly behind the hook eye to secure all the materials in place. You can apply a small drop of head cement to ensure everything stays in place.

Fly Tying