What it is
Hareline D Rib is a translucent, half-round plastic vinyl ribbing with a D-shaped profile. It’s soft and pliable on the spool, but durable once it’s wrapped, and that flat side helps it sit cleanly and consistently on the hook.
What to tie with it
Use it as ribbing to build segmented bodies on nymphs, midges, and stoneflies, especially when you want a more pronounced, evenly spaced segmentation. Most tyers will tie it in at the bend and wrap it forward as an open spiral over dubbing, chenille, or tinsel, then counter-wrap if they’re locking down a body. Because it’s easy to control, it also works on very small nymph hooks.
Flies and the fish they're for
D Rib shows up in D-Rib Flashback Caddis style nymphs, which are fished for trout in rivers and tailwaters when caddis pupae are active. It’s also used in simple “D-rib bug” soft-hackle type patterns, a good swing or down-and-across option for trout and panfish in moving water. You’ll also see it on beadhead jig-bug style nymphs, fished under an indicator or tight-lined for trout in streams and for stocked trout in ponds.
How it compares
Compared with other ribbing materials, the D-shaped profile makes it easier to position precisely so the rib stays where you wrap it and keeps a consistent segmented look.
