Marabou Damsel Nymph

For the months of June, July and August, the most common item in the stomachs of trout, bass (small mouth and largemouth), walleye and panfish like crappie, perch and bluegills was a mix of adult and nymph damsel and dragon flies. Yes, I said walleyes. And, the nymphs were still prominent in stomach samplings during the spring, fall and winter months. Reason enough for me to fish a damsel or dragon fly nymph on the local lakes.
Even the biologists were surprised that fish noted as minnow eaters like walleyes, crappie and largemouth bass were eating more nymphs than minnows. Another thing that caught their attention was the number of northern pike that had a fairly large percentage of damsel and dragon fly nymphs in their stomachs. Seems these fish are opportunistic too.

Why not? Dragon and damsel flies live in the weeds and grow to meal sized treats fairly fast. Fish like to look for food in the weeds, so why wouldn't they eat the most common big nymph in their dining room? Maybe the pike think of them as desert?

With this in mind, maybe it's a good idea to have a few imitations of these two treats in your fly box. You might be surprised at how easy they are to tie. It only takes a few materials to do the job.

Now, to the nymph patterns you panfishermen have been looking for.

List of materials: Marabou Damsel:


Hook: Nymph, 1xlong; Mustad 9671, Tiemco 5262 or 200R, Eagle Claw L063 or equivalent. Size 10 to 18.


Thread: Gudebrod 3/0 black, brown or olive, or equivalent.


Thorax: Marabou, same as body.


Rib: Clear Angler's Choice Body Stuff, midge Larva Lace, V-Rib or equivalent.

Wing Case: Strip of fibers from a turkey tail feather or pheasant tail feather. If you want some flash, you can use pearl tinsel for a wing case.


Eyes: Pearl or black plastic craft bead string, brass bead chain or melted monofiliment.

Tying steps:

1. Start thread and tie rib material to the hook.


2. Attach a pair of eyes to the front of the hook using a figure 8 wrap. (If the eyes turn a little on the hook, you can straighten them out by hand before you continue.)

Note the size of the eyes!

Make plenty of wraps to ensure the eyes stay firmly in place. A drop of super glue will help hold the eyes in place.

Thanks again to Al Campbell for his expertise!
Ron