ISO/Slate Drake patterns

[AFISHN]

I don't tie,but I have a friend who is a very avid tyer.
He has never fished the Lehigh and has asked me to provide some patterns that would "work" there. As soon as the LR is fishable ,we are going to fish it for a few days concentrating on ISOs

Can anyone help me with a some ISO patterns:nymph,and especially emergers.Plus some Slate Drakes.BTW...he's especially looking for a pattern that has an egg sack.I never knew such as pattern existed.
Thanks
Tom C

 

[afishinado]

Tom,

Here are pics and info from Troutnut of the nymph, dun and spinner:

http://www.troutnut.com/hatch/646/Mayfly-Isonychia-Slate-Drakes

I find a parachute pattern or compardun patterns in appropriate size and color to be effective for ISOs.

http://www.orvis.com/news/fly-fishing/video-how-to-tie-an-isonychia-parachute/

If you walk along and in the river, you will see nymph shucks on exposed rocks so many/most emerge there and not on the surface, but some guys believe in emerger patterns. Here is a nymph and emerger pattern for your friend to try:

http://www.orvis.com/news/fly-fishing/video-how-to-tie-an-isonychia-nymph-and-emerger/

As far as spinner pattern with an egg sack, I've never seen one. My understanding is ISOs release their eggs while flying high above the water.

Nymph patterns work great. Try to give them some movement since the nymphs are very active and proficient swimmers. Prospecting (or covering rises) with a parachute or comparadun should also bring strikes.

Since the flies are such a large size, they make a good top fly for a dry-dropper rig, especially a comparadun tied with deer hair wings.

Anyway, hope the info helps. Have a great time, and post a report.

 

[Bopper]

Here is another link:
http://www.ginkandgasoline.com/gink-gasoline-fly-patterns/isonychia-nymph-patterns-4-proven-winners/

 

[SBecker]

My pattern on the Lehigh is a comparadun. Size 10 2xl hook. Isosaurus. Just a trailing shuck mahogany dubbing and deer hair wing. Nymph I tie Dave Rothrocks pattern or just a prince with a white floss strip down the back. I usually dry dropper these patterns together on the Lehigh. Catch a ton of fish with them. When your drift is done strip them under the water and slowly bring them in. Many times that is when they are hit.

 

[AFISHN]

Thanks guys..this should be enough to keep my buddy in a tying frenzy for a few days!!!
Tom

 

[krayfish2]

Tom,

I don't believe an egg sac makes any difference with this pattern unless it's something you fancy. As Shane mentioned, when you drift is over, swing it toward the bank. A couple of short pulses or small strips can trigger violent strikes. Don't be afraid to use 3x - 4x for this reason.