Beginner’s Guide to Dubbing Loops — Tie the Casual Dress Nymph

With: Savage Flies

This one’s got a bit of character. The Casual Dress Nymph, originally from the mind of Poly Roseboro, is one of those old-school, scruffy-looking patterns that just plain works. It’s not flashy, not fussy, and it sure doesn’t care if your wraps are picture-perfect. This fuzzy nymph imitates just about anything squirmy and alive drifting down the current — which makes it an absolute trout magnet. It’s a little tricky to tie thanks to those dubbing loops, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll have a fly that catches fish from the Smokies to the Rockies. Imperfect is perfect here — fish love messy.

🪡 Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide

1. Hook and Thread:
   Secure a size 10 nymph hook in the vise. Start your black 6/0 (or 210 denier) thread and wrap a smooth base toward the bend.

2. Tail:
   Snip a small tuft of muskrat fur, including both underfur and guard hairs. Remove any excessively long guard hairs if desired. Tie this in as a short, buggy tail.

3. First Dubbing Loop:
   Create a 5-inch dubbing loop using your thread. Apply a bit of wax to one side of the loop for grip. Blend a small pinch of muskrat fur (underfur and guard hairs) by hand, and insert it into the loop.

4. Spin the Dubbing Rope:
   Using a dubbing spinner or hackle pliers, twist the loop tightly until you form a fuzzy rope. Brush lightly with Velcro if needed.

5. Form the Body:
   Wrap this dubbed rope forward to cover roughly two-thirds of the shank. Secure and trim off excess.

6. Second Dubbing Loop:
   Create another 5-inch dubbing loop with your tying thread. Add wax again. This time, blend a little more muskrat fur with extra guard hairs for added texture. Insert into the loop and spin it tight.

7. Front Body Section:
   Wrap this dubbing rope forward toward the hook eye, leaving a small space for the head. Secure and trim.

8. Head:
   Tie in 3–4 strands of black ostrich herl and wrap to form a dark, shaggy head. Secure and whip finish.

9. Finish:
   Add a drop of head cement for durability. Optionally rough up the fly with Velcro or a dubbing brush to enhance that buggy look.

🧵 Fly Recipe: Casual Dress Nymph

• Hook: Nymph hook, size 4–10 (size 10 used in demo)

• Thread: Black 6/0 or 210 denier

• Tail: Muskrat fur (underfur and guard hairs)

• Body: Muskrat fur dubbing, applied in two dubbing loops

  • Rear loop: standard blend of underfur and guard hairs

  • Front loop: same blend with extra guard hairs for texture

• Head: 3–4 strands of black ostrich herl

• Finish: Drop of head cement