What are Nymphs?
Nymphs imitate the immature aquatic stages of insects that live beneath the water's surface. Since trout and other gamefish obtain roughly 80% of their food subsurface, nymph patterns are essential for consistent success. These flies range from slim mayfly nymphs to chunky stonefly imitations.
When and How to Fish Nymphs
Nymphs are effective year-round, making them the most versatile patterns in your fly box. Fish them dead-drift along the bottom using indicators or Euro nymphing techniques. They're particularly deadly before and during hatches when nymphs are actively migrating toward the surface.
Common Tying Materials
Nymph tying materials include tungsten and brass beads for weight, pheasant tail fibers, peacock herl, various dubbings (natural and synthetic), wire ribbing for durability, and goose or turkey biots for tails and wing cases. Heavy wire hooks help patterns sink quickly.
Popular Nymphs Patterns
Essential nymph patterns include the Pheasant Tail Nymph, Hare's Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper John, Zebra Midge, and Perdigon. Modern Euro nymphing has popularized slim, heavily weighted patterns like the Frenchie and various jig-style nymphs.