Description
Stonefly Nymphs – The Year-Round Secret
Why Stonefly Nymphs are a must-have:
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Protein Power: These nutrient-rich nymphs are a primary food source for trout and grayling all year long.
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Easy Targets: As poor swimmers, they often lose their grip and drift downstream, becoming an effortless "snack" for waiting fish.
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Bottom Dwellers: Unlike many insects, they don't swim to the surface to hatch; they crawl to the shore. This keeps them in the "strike zone" near the riverbed for their entire life cycle.
J:son Tungsten Stonefly Nymph 5 Black – Barbless (#16)
The Ultra-Compact Anchor – Small Winter Stone Specialist The J:son Tungsten Stonefly Nymph 5 Black Barbless in size #16 is the smallest tungsten nymph in the range, measuring a precise 13 mm. Despite its tiny footprint, the integrated tungsten core gives it a surprising sink rate, making it the ultimate tool for targeting selective fish in deep or fast water when only small insects are present.
Why this fly works:
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Micro-Depth Efficiency: It is rare to find a fly this small that can reach the bottom on its own in a current. The tungsten weight allows this 13 mm silhouette to plummet to the riverbed, mimicking the tiny Capniidae (Small Winter Stoneflies) that are often the only food source in early spring or late autumn.
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The Stealth Silhouette: In low, clear water, large flies can often spook "educated" trophy fish. This #16 black nymph provides a sharp, non-threatening profile that fish encounter thousands of times a day, leading to more confident takes.
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Precision Hooking: The small barbless hook is incredibly sharp and designed for use with fine tippets. It provides effortless penetration and a safe, quick release, which is vital when fishing for sensitive wild grayling or trout.
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Realistic Micro-Vibration: Even at this miniature scale, J:son’s anatomical legs and segmented body are present. These flexible parts move in the current, providing the lifelike "pulse" that triggers a fish's instinct to eat.
Pro Tip: This is the "secret weapon" for European and Check-Nymphing enthusiasts. Use it as the bottom fly in a multi-nymph rig when the water is clear but deep. It’s also an exceptional choice for the "New Zealand" style dropper beneath a small, high-buoyancy dry fly. If you see fish feeding on tiny dark specks in the drift, this is the fly they are looking for.