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 Mid-Size Swimmer – J:son Mayfly Nymph 2 Light Olive (Hook #6) The Light Olive Nymph 2 is designed to bridge the gap between large drakes and smaller baetis nymphs. Tied on a sturdy size #6 hook, this imitation perfectly matches the size and profile of mid-sized swimming nymphs that inhabit both streams and lakes. Its bright, light olive tone is a "must-have" for clear water conditions and during the warmer months of the season when olive-colored species are most active in the water column.
This nymph features J:son’s signature anatomical realism, with a flexible, segmented body and lifelike legs that provide a convincing silhouette from any angle. Because swimming nymphs are often found drifting or moving between rocks, this fly is best fished with a dead-drift technique or a very subtle, pulsating retrieve. The #6 hook provides exceptional strength for larger trout while maintaining the delicate, slender appearance required to fool selective fish in technical waters.