Description
Mayfly Nymphs – Life Below the Surface
Mayfly nymphs are the engine of the river and lake ecosystem. They are active year-round and represent a constant, reliable food source for trout and grayling from early spring to late autumn. To fish a mayfly nymph successfully, you must understand their behavior. They are categorized into three main types: Digging, Swimming, and Clinging nymphs, each adapted to specific environments.
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Digging Nymphs: Found in lakes and slow-moving river sections with soft or sandy bottoms. These include some of the giants, like the Green Drake (Ephemera danica).
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Swimming Nymphs: Agile and active, these are found in both still and moving water. They are often drift-feeders, like the Claret Dun (Leptophlebia).
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Clinging Nymphs: The "bodybuilders" of the mayfly world. Short, compact, and powerful, they live on rocks in the roughest currents, like the Yellow May Dun (Heptagenia).
Our Commitment: Anatomical Accuracy & Performance Since mayfly nymphs spend most of their lives tucked away near the bottom, they only become truly vulnerable when they lose their grip, drift to find food, or begin their journey to the surface to hatch. This is when the fish strike.
Our commitment is to provide imitations that match the specific silhouette and behavior of these three categories. By using J:son’s unique materials, we create nymphs with the correct proportions, lifelike legs, and balanced weight.
The Adaptable All-Rounder – J:son Mayfly Nymph 1 Olive Brown (Hook #4) The Olive Brown Nymph 1 is a highly effective imitation of the larger swimming mayfly nymphs found in a wide variety of waters. Its deep olive-brown coloration is a perfect match for many species that live among aquatic vegetation or on darker riverbeds. This color profile provides a natural, subdued silhouette that often outperforms brighter imitations in technical waters or when the fish are particularly cautious.
Tied on a powerful size #4 hook, this fly offers exceptional strength and hooking capability while maintaining the slender, elegant proportions of a natural swimming nymph. J:son’s signature segmented body and anatomically correct legs provide a lifelike movement in the water that triggers the predatory instinct of trout and grayling. Whether you are dead-drifting it through a deep pool or using a slow retrieve to mimic an active swimmer, the Olive Brown Nymph 1 is a reliable choice for any fly box.