Simple Starling Jigged Nymph Fly Tying Tutorial

Starling is an underutilized feather in the fly tying world. It is an absolutely phenomenal choice for smaller offerings that require a soft hackle collar. Starling feathers are made of soft barbules that pulsate much like partridge or grouse, but has a darker solid color. The beauty of starling is that all of the feathers are pressed for smaller flies. Grouse and partridge skins have feathers sized 8-20, while starling skins are more in the 14-24 range.

It is one of my favorite materials for soft hackles, jigs, even stillborn emergers when the pattern requires a dark collar. One of my favorite color combinations of all time is orange and olive. It is a fantastic combination that doesn’t have too much contrast, and can fool picky and reckless fish alike.

I like to fish this pattern when there are baetis species and caddis emerging, these hatches typically accompany each other in the spring and fall. The fly and bead can certainly be sized up or down depending on your needs. I also fish this fly in a few other colors including purple and black with the same orange wire. This fly serves as a fantastic template and colors can be swapped easily to mimic different insects. They’re quick and painless to tie, whip some up and hit the river, cooler temps are coming!

-Simon