Guy's photo of a handful of bugs in this thread got me to thinking about my selection of little black stonefly nymphs.  The problem is weighting them.  
 
I tied some on #20 TMC 2488's with the smallest black tungsten bead, but they came out looking more like miniature Epeorus than stones, their heads were so out of proportion to body size.
 
I was going to move on to TMC #3761 size 20, but even .010 wire on the body ends up making them chunky rather than the slim profile I'm looking for.  The attached photos are top and side views of my standard little black stone on a #3761 size 16 with 8 turns of .010 lead under the thorax, and even that's getting chunky for my taste.
 
I know, I know, just tie them to size with no weight and fish them on a dropper from a heavy nymph.  But where's the fun in that?
 
Anyone have better strategies for weighting #20 and smaller without running to bulky bead heads or chunky bodies?
 

 

That's a good thought Ryan.  I had been resisting it, wanting even more weight, but every little bit helps. In fact I might add that to the latest batch I tied.
 
No photos yet, but on those (#22 TMC100's) I used xsm black wire to form the abdomen, some with xsm copper wire for rib, and carried more wraps up under the thorax. Along with the lead wire on the sides of the thorax, it just might do along with just a little fine dubbing on the thorax.
 
Next question, will little black stones be worth a hoot in two months?  Here I sit several thousand miles away tying flies for today's fishing that won't be used till mid-April!  

Hard to get much weight on a size 20-22 hooks and still keep the profile slim. Sounds like you are heading in the right direction with the wire wraps.. Myself, I'd use some split shot on my leader and hang an unweighted or lightly weighted stonefly nymph below the split shot.  
 
In two or so months, you might want to paint those little black stone flies a nice dull yellow color  

Hey Ryan,
 
I think you put me on the right track.  I've attached top and side views of a version (#22 TMC100BL) with black xsm wire abdomen and copper xsm rib, including the longitudinal lead wire under the thorax you suggested.  I just can't figure out how to get it any heavier while keeping it trim.  While I was at it I added another pair of legs.  I doubt fish can count, but I can!  
 

 

I received a sample of the fine last year to try out, and frankly forgot about it till now.  I think they're a little optimistic in claiming the fine will go down to 20's, but the extra fine has my attention.  The extra fine wasn't available at the time I was given the sample, but I'll track some down now.  
 
One thing about it- they're sending a message "in code" saying you can half hitch it.  What they're really saying is fuggedabout whip finishing, at least by hand rather than using a tool.  It seems to work harden and get brittle.  I've been hand whipping for 50 years and still haven't figured out how to use the tool!