In this tutorial, Hogan Brown ties the Black Balloon PMD, a simple, fast-sinking mayfly nymph that pays homage to Andy Burke’s classic HBI pattern. Designed as a true guide fly, this pattern is quick to tie, durable, and deadly effective for PMDs, Baetis, and other small mayflies.
Hogan walks step-by-step through the tie, sharing tips on proportion, taper, and how to craft the fly’s namesake black balloon wing case. With its buggy profile, subtle flash, and natural coloration, the Black Balloon PMD is a proven producer from freestones to tailwaters.
See a full materials list at: https://loonoutdoors.com/blogs/fly-tying-videos/black-balloon-nymph
00:00 – Introduction: Hogan Brown & the Black Balloon Nymph
00:25 – Inspiration: Andy Burke’s HBI & Jason Lozano’s Influence
00:55 – Hook, Bead & Thread Setup
01:30 – Tails and Legs: Gold Wood Duck
02:05 – Adding Flash and Copper Wire Rib
02:40 – Dubbing the Body (Cinnamon Caddis)
03:20 – Creating Taper and Wrapping the Crystal Flash Rib
03:55 – Adding Copper Rib for Segmentation
04:20 – Preparing the Black Balloon Wing Case
05:15 – Cutting and Shaping the Balloon Strip
05:50 – Tying in the Wing Case
06:30 – Building the Thorax and Adding Flash Accent
07:10 – Adding Mallard Flank Legs on Each Side
07:45 – Pulling Over and Securing the Black Balloon Wing Case
08:15 – Trimming Flash and Finishing the Fly
08:40 – Final Thoughts: The Black Balloon PMD & HBI Legacy
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