Swimming Halfback

The Swimming Halfback, designed by Blair Lampe in the late 20th century, is an adaptation of the traditional Halfback nymph, a pattern popular throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Lampe enhanced the original by adding movement and incorporating small lead eyes to ensure the fly rides hook point up, effectively imitating stonefly and dragonfly nymphs.

Trim the bottom of the thorax flat after tying; this creates a subtle keel effect that keeps the fly from rolling during the drop, making the Swimming Halfback look alive and controlled in front of wary carp.