When I started doing research for flies for Pyramid Lake, the Maholo Nymph kept popping up on every Pyramid Lake fly list that I read. After some more research I found some pictures of what the Maholo Nymph was supposed to look like and made a stab at trying to recreate it with the materials that I had at hand. Although I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s going to work at Pyramid, I also think that the Maholo nymph could be tied up in some smaller sizes and make a great attractor pattern on some of the small creeks here in Arizona. Since it’s so bright and shiny, the Maholo nymph could be the ticket in the early spring when the water is still a bit high and off color.
The original Maholo Nymph was designed by Rod Anderson of the Reno Fly Shop. The name comes from a cross between the Hawaiian word for “thank you” and the Holographic tinsel used for the body of the fly.
Material List:
Hook: Curved Caddis/Shrimp Hook (I’ve been tying #10 and #8s for Pyramid)
Gold Bead
Thread: Black 70 Denier Thread
Tail/Wingcase/Legs: Pheasant Tail
Body: Red Tinsel (Sulky Holoshimmer Tinsel available in multiple colors at craft store)
Rib: Small Copper Wire
Thorax: Olive Ice-Dub (I substituted some red Simi-Seal Material on some of the different colored tinseled bodies)
Clear Cure Goo Tack Free
Optional: Pearlescent Tinsel for flashback wingcase
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I’ve been looking forward to this pattern. Thank you for putting this up!
Not a problem Dom. Thanks for looking.
Ben
Very nice my man! Ill be whipping these up in 18’s and 20’s. Shared.
Thanks Matt. Let me know how they fish for you.
Ben
Nice tie. I’m super excited for your report! Are you going to do a ladder review for the gear section? 😛
Thanks Jonathan. I’m not seeing a ladder review in my future.
Ben
Happy Saturday, Love the pattern. Where I live in Northeastern Washington we use flys of this type as a point fly or dropper behind a larger floater or larger nymph. I have been using a very similar if not identical material from Madera called jewel which is nothing more that a machine embroidery thread. fabulous stuff since it stretches and lays where you put it. I have been using it for steelhead flys and chronmid patterns in lakes for about 10 years. Keep up the great work,I just stumbled onto your site today and your photography is tops!
Thanks for the kind words Dan. Glad you like the pattern.
Ben
This I like Ben, good all-purpose that will work anywhere.
Thanks Howard. I agree and I think I’m going to tie some up for my small stream box.
Ben
Love the pattern Ben! I have yet to try flashy bugs in stillwater. I really feel that I have to mention that you are using opposing colors. That is more brilliant than the fly itself! Love the blue and red combo. It hurts my brains…
Thanks David. I’m thinking it’s going to be a killer on some of the small streams here in AZ. Let me know how it fishes for you.
Ben
Ben,
Great job at showing the step by step. Nice tip on putting a hardener on after wire wrap, then finish fly. Most descriptions I’ve seen on this fly and the Maholo midges miss this step. Truly increases the life of the fly.
Rob ties these in small sizes for stream/river fishing. Pattern is also a popular steelhead fly in No. Calif. and So. Oregon.
Just fished Pyramid with Rob and other friends last Thursday. It was decent action and most effective fly was the Maholo nymph. Biggest fish was a 26″ male towards end of day. Contact me if you make it up here, I’d be happy to show you around.
Chris
Thanks Chris. I appreciate the kind words. It’s a great fly and I’ve tied a couple up for the small streams as well. Should do the trick here in Arizona.
Ben
Thanks for a step by step guide.
I’ll be fish Pyramid Lake in another week, April 13-19 with a friend. I’ve always used foam beetles and wooly worms but this year I tied a few of your Maholo nymphs to try. Great job
Thanks Craig. I’m glad the step by step helped. I’m looking forward to my trip. Best of luck on the water and let me know how the maholo’s work for you.
Ben