I have had a liking for Ostrich Herl since I incorporated it into The Orb, a Callibaetis mayfly emerger pattern. Today, I came upon a pattern displayed at the Hatches fly tying forum in 2006, tied by Mihostanev. It is a perfect example of ostrich herl incorporated into the abdomen to suggest gills and/or just life. I intend to experiment with the pattern to tie some manner of Caddis larva/pupa for the upcoming October Caddis emergence this late Summer, into Fall.
We will see if I can set aside enough time to tie, and what my effort looks like when I am done! Ostrich herl ranks up there with peacock, marabou and (well the preferred list goes on and on).
SwittersB & Exploring 
Have you tied The Orb lately. What is source for size 14 clear plastic bead.
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I have not tied it up in a few years. I was via a fly shop and reputed to float…which it does. I have tried other beads with sparkles etc. and they don’t float but the materials in the pattern (ostrich) keeps it high like an emerger. I just researched Spirit River but do not see the floating beads. There are other derivations of that concept (Bubble Fly) but what I liked was the fly was more a floating nymph with that glow. I still have a good dozen or so of the fly but haven’t been able to get over a Callibaetis hatch the last few years. Sorry I can’t be more help right now. My materials are boxed up right now pending a move and I wouldn’t know where to begin to find the bead section. If I find more out during the Summer I will let you know….better late than never. IF you find out more (source) let me know. Best wishes!
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