Not many flies today are as realistic as woven flies.  The use of advanced materials such as Larva Lace and V-rib has opened new doors for fly tyers everywhere.  Now we can not only recreate the translucency and the "feel" of a fly, but we can also manipulate the segmentation and shading of both the body and underbody, creating a life like replica of the critters that populate the stream floor.

Although woven flies may look intimidating at first, many are actually quite simple to tie.  Countless forms of weaving exist today, some simple, some complex, however complex doesn't always mean best.  I've had tremendous results using giant woven stone fly nymphs for smallmouth bass, steelhead, browns (both resident and migratory) and just about everything else.  The trick is to use the newly acquired skill of weaving bodies and apply it to existing patterns, ultimately coming up with your own new creations.  For this reason, I've only documented the weaving technique in this article.  The rest is and should be left up to the tyer.

How to Weave Nymph Bodies with Larva Lace:

1.  Secure the hook (size & style is up to you, although I prefer curved nymph hooks) in the vise, and start the thread by making a few turns back and fourth over the itself.  This will secure it and prevent unraveling.  Once the thread is attached, add some .15 or .20 lead wire around the shank; you need to build up the body of fly and you want these nymphs to get down deep!  Once the lead wire has been wound, secure it with thread and finish near the gape of the hook.



2.  Almost every nymph needs a tail.  Cut off 2 dark colored goose biots and tie them in at the back of the hook so that they flair away from each other, making a distinct "V".  Trim the excess.



3.  Cut away 2 - 6" pieces of Larva Lace body material.  Please note that body material is completely round and hollow, unlike the Larva Lace nymph rib which solid and has more of a V profile.  The 2 - 6" pieces of Larva Lace should vary in color, 1 dark (for the top) and one light (for the belly).  Tie the strands in parallel to the hook shank, one on each side and secure with thread, ensuring you finish at the back of the hook.



4.  In order to give your nymph that extra depth of realism you can add either a dubbed or wound underbody.  If you choose a dubbed body, remember not to pick a color that is too dark as it will darken the lighter segments of Larva Lace once the body is woven.  In our example we used a few strands of black Krystal Flash tied in at the back (base of the tail) and wound around the entire body.  Once you finish the underbody trim off any excess and tie a few half hitch knots at the front of the shank to prevent unraveling.



5.  With the thread secured and left alone at the front, grab the 2 strands of Larva Lace, one with each hand and begin the weave.  The darker (black) strand needs to go over the shank of the hook.  The lighter (brown) strand needs to go over the dark strand which was previously brought over the shank of the hook, and then be brought under the shank of the hook (see image below).



6.  Once the lighter strand of Larva Lace is brought under the hook shank, slide the end up though the gap which the darker strand left between itself and the shank of the hook.  You should be left with something which look like the image below.



7.  Take the ends of the Larva Lace strands and pull them upwards to tighten the weave.  As you tighten, the knot you just created will compact and form the base for the rest of the body.  Larva Lace is quite stretchy so don't be afraid to tighten it, especially the first few strands as you'd like to achieve a tapered body, going from narrow at the base of the tail, to broad near the thorax. 



8.  With the first weave in place repeat steps 5 through 7, making sure that the weaves are close together.  The underbody we laid down earlier will now show through, giving the fly a translucent look (great for finicky trout).  Continue to tie in weaves until you reach the desired body lenght.



9.  After 3 or 4 proper weaves the body will begin to take shape.  By using a rotary vise (not necessary but highly beneficial) you can ensure that the belly of the fly is as consistent as the top.  The lead wire and Larva Lace we tied in earlier is now ensuring the profile of the fly looks flatter than deeper, just like a real nymph! 



10.  The underside of the fly should be noticeably lighter (depending on the exact nymph you are trying to imitate).  With any luck the underbody will be more noticeably underneath.



11.  With the body done, tie off the excess Larva Lace and continue to tie in the thorax and / or wing case section of the fly to your liking.  Remember, don't be afraid to experiment with different body materials, colors, and underbodies.  Many creative variations can be created by utilizing this simple weaving technique.  Good luck! 

Written By: Nick Pujic, © Oct, 2003
Photographs By:  Nick Pujic