Tasmanian Devil

A Euro-Nymph Must-Have

I was introduced to the Tassie Devil pattern while preparing for the World Fly Fishing Championships last fall in Tasmania, Australia. Team USA had the luxury of learning from our skilled guide, Maxim Vereshaka. Max recommended we have the pattern tied and ready to fish since it has proven to be effective in their waters and as such is a staple for many Australian competitors. Wanting to hit the ground running, I tied a few dozen in various hook and bead sizes so I could gain confidence in the pattern while pre-fishing for the championship.  The devil delivered as promised. It was my best nymph on the rivers of Tasmania. 

Once home, I had several Tasmanian Devils taking up space in one of my nymph boxes and I tried them on my local picky tailwater fish. To my surprise (and delight) the fish loved the pattern. It seemed especially effective when the water was very cold. I had a few fishing days and one guide day where they liked the pattern so much I ended up fishing two devils at a time since the fish seemed to prefer it to most other patterns. 

As you can see, the Tasmanian Devil is another example of a pure attractor.  No, it doesn’t imitate anything.  It doesn’t need to, fish love it.

 

Add a few to your nymph box and I think you’ll soon gain confidence in this pattern too.  It has worked well for me nymphing, or as a dropper below a dry. Vary the bead size (weight) to suit your preferred setup or water conditions and have at it!

-- Lance Egan

Material List
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Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook - 16
Bead: Hanak Metallic+ Slotted Tungsten Beads - Light Pink - 3.0mm
Bead (option #2): Fulling Mill Slotted Tungsten Beads - Metallic Light Pink - 2.8 mm
Bead (option #2): Plummeting Tungsten Beads - Metallic Light Pink - 7/64" (2.8mm)
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier - Olive
Tag: Glo-Brite Floss - Fl. Fire Orange #5
Body: Hareline Dubbin - Hare's Ear
Rib: UTC Ultra Wire - Copper - Small
Collar: Nature's Spirit CDC - Medium Slate Dun
Thorax: SLF Prism Dubbing - Peacock
Thorax (option #1): Ice Dub - Peacock
Alternate CDC: Nature's Spirit CDC - Medium Dun
Alternate CDC: Nature's Spirit CDC - Light Gray Dun


Other tools from the tutorial:
      
Dubbing Wax
Stonfo Comb/Brush Tool
Loon Low Tack Swax