The Skinny Nelson
By Tracy Peterson

The Skinny Nelson was developed by Tracy Peterson of Corvalis, Oregon. He developed the nymph as a baetis nymph/Midge larva imitation. This fly was conceived for the Bighorn River, during a period of low water years, where its sparse profile and unobtrusiveness made it a killer. Tracy later added a tungsten bead to this super simple pattern to add a bit of weight and make the fly a bit more useful in a dry-dropper application.

Hook: TMC 3761 #16-20
Bead: (Optional) Black Tungsten, sized to hook
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: Ringneck Pheasant Tail Fibers
Rib: Thin Gold Wire
Abdomen: Black 6/0 Tying Thread
Wingcase: Pearl Flashabou
Thorax: Peacock Herl

By Tracy Peterson 2011 ©

Tracy is a signature fly tier and designer for the world’s largest fly distributor. When Tracy isn’t at the vise he finds time to manage and guide at our Montana lodge and instruct at our Fly Fishing Guide Training School. A skilled oarsman, fisherman and of course fly tier, Tracy is most famous for his killer BBQ ribs. Tracy resides in Corvallis, Oregon with his lovely wife Mary and their young son Quin.