Bead Head Nymph

Bead Head Nymph

5x7, soft pastel

I do love the little nymphs...and this one is as colorful as they come.  While I'm not sure the specific species it might be representing...its colors surely will attract the fish!  Nymphs are extremely small...many measuring  approximately 1/2 inch.  When I paint one from life, I typically have to use a magnifying glass to see it.

Tan Caddis Emerger

Tan Caddis Emerger
5x7, soft pastel

After hatching, a nymph lives on a stream or river bottom up to a year (depending on species) and then begins the process of transforming into an adult fly.  The nymph rises ("emerging") to the top of the water where it will continue to develop, molting into an adult fly ("dun" stage).  Once mature (spinner stage), it will take flight and mate.  The females will return to the water to drop their eggs before falling to the water's surface as a "spent spinner".   Sad...but true.  

Very Woolly Bugger

Very Woolly Bugger

5x7, soft pastel

This little guy just about got away from me.   I love this fly because of it's "jewelry", the flashing on the tail, metal bead head and wire wrap.  I imagine the black feathery material could prove to be a challenge to control when tying this fly...as it was for me in painting it.  I am back into painting flies for a week or so for a couple reasons.   One, it's time to go fishing (so I can continue with the 30in30 by painting these little guys in the boat) and two,  I just absolutely love painting fishing flies!