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.
-
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).
-
Swimming Nymphs: Agile and active, these are found in both still and moving water. They are often drift-feeders, like the Claret Dun (Leptophlebia).
-
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 Delicate All-Rounder – J:son Mayfly Nymph 4 Olive Brown (Hook #14) The Olive Brown Nymph 4 is a highly realistic imitation of the smallest swimming nymphs, specifically those within the Baetidae family, such as smaller Baetis species. Tied on a size #14 hook, this fly is an essential "match-the-hatch" pattern for technical waters where fish are focused on tiny, naturally colored prey. The olive-brown tone is one of the most versatile colors in entomology, mimicking a vast range of species found in rivers and lakes worldwide.
This version is an unweighted model, making it ideal for fishing in the upper layers of the water column or in shallower sections where a natural, slow drift is required. J:son’s signature anatomical design, featuring a segmented body and lifelike legs, ensures a perfect silhouette even at this micro-scale. Whether you are dead-drifting it through a calm pool or using a slow, pulsating retrieve to mimic a swimming insect, the Olive Brown Nymph #14 provides the subtle realism needed to fool selective trout and grayling.