Jim Rusher is a former golf pro who turned his attention to fly fishing and Spey casting when he bought Whitaker’s Sport Shop in Pulaski, New York, back in 1983. His Steelhead Nymph has been a staple on the Salmon River for years. In this typically great video from Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, Tim walks you through the pattern and offers several cool tricks to make the tying process easier. Tie this pattern in any colors you like, and give it a go on your favorite river.
Rusher’s Steelhead Nymph
Hook: Streamer/nymph hook (here a Lightning Strike SN1), size 10.
Thread: Black, 6/0 or 140-denier.
Body: Purple Ultra Chenille, standard size.
Tails: Black goose biots.
Wingcase: Black Diamond Braid.
Thorax: Pearl chenille or Estaz, medium.
Adhesive: UV-cure resin.