“Keep them thin and see them win.” says Gordon van der Spuy (aka The Feather Mechanic seen above trying to embody a damsel) about his approach to tying damselflies. Perhaps the most shnackkked upon critters in South African stillwaters, damselflies are kryptonite to trout of all sizes and varieties. Other than keeping them sparse, to nail damselfly imitations Gordon recommends adding in a little CDC for movement and using Swiss straw. Check out how he ties them in this video.  

In this step-by-step fly tying tutorial, Gordon takes us through how to tie the Skinny Damsel, and how to fish with it. Watch the full video below.

SKINNY DAMSEL MATERIALS:

• Hook: Grip #10 Terrestrial.
• Thread: Griffiths sheer 14/0
• Eyes: Melted monofilament.
• Tail: Olive maribou barbs.
• Body: Goose biots.
• Thorax: Olive CDC and olive-brown ice dub.
• Wingcase: Swiss straw chartruese.
• Head: Superfine dry fly dubbing.

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