"Larry L" wrote in message
...
The klinkhammer photo reminded me of Brook's 'tied in the round' theory.

This would probably be more on topic over at the tying list but

Does anybody have thoughts and ideas on ways to make sure that two tone
nymph patterns actually 'float' near the bottom top side up?

Flies will naturally tend to ride top side up by virtue of the fact that
whatever materials are used have a lower density than the steel of the hook.
The bend and point, being bare, also experience less drag and will tend to
keep the whole thing upright.

Nymph patterns with backstraps of PT ( or other) and bellies of fur or
other look great in the vise, but tumbling in the currents?

Tumbling in currents, artificals will do pretty much what naturals
do.....tumble.

Related query: good ways to build 'wide bodied' nymphs .... rhithrogena
for instance are very wide and thin, round is not an accurate body shape.
I'm think that one of you bright lads or ladies might have practical
ideas that would make it easy to both improve the shape of clinger/crawler
nymph ties and stabilize their 'float' right side up at the same time?

Don't remember any specific references, but a lot of the old pros
experimented with strips of various materials for a shaped underbodies.
I've done a little of this myself. There is a virtually infinite selection
of plastics to choose from these days, so materials aren't a real problem.
The trouble has always been proper shaping and, more importantly, firm
attachment to the hook and covering with the material of choice without
undue deformation. Interesting stuff to mess around with but, quite
frankly, generally not worth the trouble in terms of productivity. The same
kinds of effects can also be arrived at with putties, epoxies, caulk, and
other liquids or semi-liquids......with similar results and caveats.

Not surprisingly, discussions of such techniques usually lead to unpleasant
exchanges about what constitutes "fly fishing."

Wolfgang