Euro Nymphs

Euro nymphs, also referred to as jig nymphs, are a popular style to fish being that they get to the fish quickly due to their typical characteristics: Heavy bead and slender body.  Another benefit is the slotted tungsten bead on a jig or down-eye nymph hook, encouraging the fly to ride hook point up.  This will cause less snags, so you are not constantly retying these patterns.  Finally, I suggest taking some of your favorite nymphs and tie them on jig hooks to see how they perform; I think you'll be excited by the results!

There are many options for Euro nymphs, and you’ll find many favorite on this page. I also have a blog featuring the BEST Euro nymphs to use, click the button to read more:


Egan’s Rainbow Warrior

Created by Fly Fishing Team USA member Lance Egan, the Rainbow Warrior is now being featured on a jig hook. Paired with a slotted tungsten bead, this pattern tends to write hook point up, thereby getting fewer snags.

Look closely at this style of fly, as you’ll see a wide hook gap, slender body and a tight thorax, all characteristics of Euro nymphs. I frequently am asked to compare these with Czech nymphs, with the latter tending to have much more weight in order to nearly drag on the bottom.

Returning to the Rainbow Warrior, Lance designed this fly to be fished in clear tailwater rivers, not what you’d expect from such a flashy pattern. Picky fish love this fly, and many others like it, thus be sure to have some of these in your box at all times!


Perdigon

Talk about a minimalist pattern! Tied with few tail fibers and a slender body, Perdigons are known to cut through the water and get to the desired depth quicly. Some also have hot spots; this one features a fluorescent thread thorax.

Into tying Perdigons? Check some of the videos below. Prefer to buy your flies? Check my friend Devin Olsen’s fly shop for lots of recommended Perdigons: CLICK HERE

Which Perdigon style should you start with? I recommend two versions, one flashy and the other subtle. The fish will tell you which they prefer, and my general rule is:

Fast water = Tinsel-bodied Perdigons are attention grabbers and entice fish to eat.

Slower water = Muted thread=body Perdigons are more realistic, an excellent choice for technical fish.



Improved Zebra Midge

It’s tough to improve a classic, yet this version of the Zebra Midge has done so! Shared with my by Competitive Angler owner Jake Adamerovich, the Improved Zebra Midge adds a hint of sparkle to the tail, plus UV resin to strengthen the overall pattern. Placed on a jig hook with a slotted tungsten bead, this little pattern has the ability to pull some large trout from the depths of both moving and stillwater.

A key for this pattern is to keep the overall profile slender, thus I recommend using a fine diameter thread, such as Semperfli 18/0 Nano Silk. GSP thread is perfect for this application, as there is little build-up…yet it is STRONG and perfect for all levels of tiers.

Euro nymphs come in all sizes, as this one definitely resides on the smaller size in my fly boxes. From a #16 - #22, be sure to vary the colors based on those that work in your local waterways. Black, olive, and red are favorites that I don’t leave home without!