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 All-Water Heavyweight – J:son Tungsten Mayfly Nymph 3 Olive Brown (Hook #12) The Tungsten Olive Brown Nymph 3 in size #12 is one of our most versatile and effective weighted patterns. This size and color combination is a universal match for a vast array of mid-to-large swimming nymphs found in rivers and streams globally. Featuring integrated tungsten weighting, this fly is designed to cut through fast water and reach the bottom quickly, placing your fly exactly where the fish are holding.
The olive brown tone is arguably the most consistent color for nymph fishing, blending perfectly with the natural camouflage of real insects in almost any environment. Tied on a precision size #12 hook, the fly maintains J:son’s signature anatomical realism with a segmented body and lifelike legs that remain stable and attractive even in heavy currents. This is an essential pattern for any angler needing a realistic, medium-sized profile with the weight necessary for deep pools, fast riffles, and technical nymphing rigs.