Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2018 - 15

To add realism to the damselfly's abdomen, color barred stripes on the tail material with a marker.

Needle-like nymphs

At the nymphal stage, damselflies are much more
delicate and narrower than its dragonfly counterparts.
Usually, movement in the fly paired with a realistic body
style will trigger the fish to strike in still waters. Marabou is
an interesting material to start with to allow your fly some
movement. Using small wire can be effective to not only add
weight to sink it to the bottom but also to segment the body of
the damselfly.
Visit your local pond or lake this summer to watch these
amazing ancient creatures buzz around the waterways and
observe how each interacts with its surroundings. Then, get
to the vise, tie up some fantastical dragons and damsels, and
go fishing.
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Dragonfly or damselfly?

* Dragonflies are larger and more robust
than damselflies.
* Dragonflies have uneven sets of wings, and
damselflies have even wings.
* Damselflies are perchers, dragonflies are fliers.
* At rest, damselflies fold their wings over, but
dragonflies hold their wings out.

Dragonfly

Damselfly

illustrations-Aaron Shane

continuing in a figure-eight-wrap technique. Then, they can
work the thread to place it into the right spot, a little behind
the hook eye.
Next, the eye component of the dry dragonfly is essential
since the eyes make up most of the head. As mentioned in last
month's "Tying Together" (Pennsylvania Angler & Boater May/
June 2018-Crustacean Creatures), create monofilament eyes
using the burnt method. Tiers can also purchase dumbbell
eyes or black plastic eyes to imitate the dragonfly's large eyes.
Lastly, choose a body tying material to keep your dragonfly
or damselfly pattern afloat. Deer hair, yarn or foam in bold
colors keeps your fly on the water's surface. Purchase pre-cut
foam dragonfly and damselfly bodies for beginners. These
come in a variety of colors and sizes to match those of your
local dragonfly population. You can even cut and create your
own silhouettes with foam. On occasion, the use of super glue
will attach the body more securely to the shank. Of course,
always supervise your child with this step. Also, a stronger
thread helps to cinch down the foam onto the hook.
For a finer silhouette of the damselfly adult and an easy
material to tie on the hook shank, I combine braided nylon
damsel bodies, blue foam and blue dubbing. Materials such as
braided nylon or furled Antron yarn simulate the long bodies
of these "mosquito hawks."

Dragonfly/Damselfly Adult
Hook: #12-16 dry scud hook
Thread: Blue 6/0 UNI-Thread
Eyes: Burnt monofilament or fabricated eyes
Abdomen: Adult damsel body braid
Thorax: Blue dubbing, Antron yard or wool
Wing case: Blue 2mm craft foam
Wing: Grizzly hackle

Damselfly Nymph
Hook: 3X curved nymph hook
Thread: Olive 6/0
Tail: Olive marabou
Rib: Copper wire
Body: Olive marabou
Wing: Leftover tips from body
Eyes: Burnt monofilament or premade
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2018

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