Video: George Daniel Describes His Favorite Winter Fly

Producer: George Daniel

George Daniel is perhaps best known for his expertise at nymphing, both traditional and Euro-style, so you may be surprised to learn that his favorite cold-weather pattern isn’t a nymph imitation such as a Frenchie or a Perdigon (although it is fished like one). In this helpful video, George explains why—from December through March—he likes to fish egg patterns. He also shows off his favorite egg-pattern material: Eggstasy. Below is Tim Flagler‘s recipe for the pattern (watch his tying video here), but you can tie with in a variety of colors and beads.

Eggstasy Egg
Hook: Heavy grub hook (here a Fulling Mill 5115), size 14.
Bead: Fluorescent orange brass bead, 3/32-inch.
Thread: Fluorescent orange, 70-denier or 8/0.
Body: Fluorescent peach Eggstasy.
Adhesive: Head cement (here, Sally Hansen Hard-As-Nails).
Tools: Plunger-style hackle pliers, fine-point bodkin, whip-finish tool.

George Daniel operates Livin On The Fly, a guide service in State College, Pennsylvania. He is also the author of Dynamic Nymphing, Fly Fishing Evolution and Nymph Fishing: New Angles, Tactics, and Techniques.