Nymph fly selection

[sjpresley]

Okay, so as I work on my nymphing skills and learn a bit more about nymph selection for different water types. What nymph patterns should I have on hand? I various forms (BH, FB, soft hackle) and colors (olive, natural, black) of hare's ears, variations of the prince nymph, some PTs, and some stoneflies.

What (if any) other patterns would you guys consider "must have" flies that I should keep in my box(es)? Klinkhammers? Zug Bugs?

[The Fisherman]

I tend to take a more minimalist approach to nymphing. BH Pheasant Tails, Tung Head Caddis Larva, (Yellow) Prince, Copper John, Hare's Ear, and Brassies are just about all I ever use.

I'd guess that over half the fish I catch on nymphs come on a sz 18 BHPTail.

But, certainly go experiment, try new flies, see what works. Not everyone's a change-resisting, stubborn old crusty fart like me. :wink:

Oh! you can try fishing bead-head wets as nymphs, too.

[sjpresley]

I forgot about the Copper Johns, I have some of those too, I just haven't wet one, yet.

I have been fishing an olive FB hare's ear (12 or 14) more than 1/2 the time...for the simple reason that it has been producing for me. I do okay with Prince Nymphs as well. But I haven't caught a trout on a PT, yet. Many dace, but no trout. That may be because of my lack of weighting; we'll see what happens when I start getting the fly in the strike zone a bit more.

[The Patriot]

Various Caddis larva imitations, especailly green, or cased caddis imitations, may be good to try...

... and caddis pupa imitations, like Lafontaine's sparkle pupa or similar imitations can be fished deep as nymphs, and allowed to rise at the end of the drift to imitate emerging caddis....

I think that's the only thing you didn't say you already had. I think you've got the mayfly imitations covered.

Regards,

Jim

[Black Ghost]

Good Morning Everyone...Don't forget the Montana Stone...Always caught fish on it in both the Farmy and Hous....Sometimes I tie them with a flourescent green abdomen instead of yellow.

[The Patriot]

Even though you already have Prince Nymphs, a few Zug Bugs are always good to have on hand, especially as Isonychia begin to hatch. Go big, size 10-12. I also have done well with Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails, and hatch specific Isonychia nymphs at this time of year.