When to tie in stimulator legs?

[GrouseMan77]

I sat down at the vice last night for the first time in several months. I decided that I needed to start working on some stimulators. I don't know why...should be working on the nymphs. Anyway, just got into tying last year and I had only attempted this particular pattern on one instance several months ago. I decided that I would try to do it from memory. A little rusty but they turned out ok.

I only have on recipe and it does not include legs. When is the best time to tie them in?

[rgp759]

Jason,

If I am going to add rubber legs to a stimulator pattern, I tie them in after I tie in the wing and the front hackle. Then I dub the front portion of the body and wrap the front hackle. I'm not sure if everyone does it this way, but it works pretty well for me.

Bob

[Hugh Hartsell]

Guys,
I don't think it makes too much difference which way you choose to tie the legs in because several different methods will work. The problem is that those pesky legs can get in the way if you're trying to tie in other sections of the fly. Here is a method that I use and you can try it, as well as other suggestions, to see which works the best for you. Finish the fly completely and then wrap back through the hackle a few wraps and tie the first leg in. Now hold it in place with 2-3 wraps and tie the other leg in. Do the same 2-3 wraps, position the legs just where you want them to be and then wrap forward to tie off the finished fly. This is just another method and you can try it with other suggestions to see how it fits with your practices. Good luck.
Hugh

[GrouseMan77]

Gentlemen - Thank you for the advice and I will try both.

And Hugh, I am actually using the recipe from your website. Your tying tutorials are very good.

[MadisonBoats]

Thanks Hugh for your kind advice and helping tying newbies like me! It is wonderful to have such an experienced fly fisherman/fly tyer offering help and advice on this forum!