Freshwater Lure Guide
Nymph
About the Nymph
Sub-surface flies imitating immature aquatic insects. Nymphs account for the majority of trout feeding — fish eat below the surface far more than on top. Fished below a strike indicator (fly fishing bobber) or Euro-nymphed with tight-line contact, this is the most consistent way to catch trout year-round. The Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear are the two patterns that belong in every box.
Best Conditions
Water Temp
38–65°F
Best Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Water Clarity
clear, stained
Best Weather
sunny, overcast
Color Guide
Pheasant Tail
Pheasant Tail Nymph — universal mayfly nymph Baetis BWO PMD, spring and fall, bottom drift, indicator rig, year-round
Hare's Ear
Hare's Ear — versatile mayfly caddis nymph, year-round any season, broken water, universal attractor subsurface
Copper John
Copper John — attractor nymph, fast high water, deep pools, year-round, heavy rig euro nymph
Prince Nymph
Prince Nymph — stonefly nymph attractor, spring and summer, pocket water, fast water April May June
Zebra Midge
Zebra Midge — midge larva pupa, year-round winter spring, tailwater, slow water, size 18-22, January February March
RS2
RS2 — Baetis BWO emerger, late fall through spring September through May, tailwater, slow water, emerging hatch
Perdigon
Perdigon — fast-sinking euro nymph, year-round all seasons, high current, competition euro nymphing
San Juan Worm
San Juan Worm — aquatic worm annelid, spring runoff high water, post-rain, stained water, March April May
Sowbug
Sowbug — crustacean aquatic isopod, year-round, tailwater spring creek, San Juan White River Arkansas
Mop Fly
Mop Fly — attractor caddis larva, year-round any season, euro nymph, high-pressure tailwaters
Target Species
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