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 Micro All-Rounder – J:son Tungsten Mayfly Nymph 5 Olive Brown Barbless (Hook #18) The Barbless Tungsten Olive Brown Nymph 5 in size #18 is a master of technical nymphing. By combining a miniature profile with a high-quality barbless hook, this fly is the perfect choice for the modern catch-and-release angler. The Olive Brown color is a universal favorite, mimicking the natural appearance of countless small mayfly species found in rivers and streams globally.
Despite its tiny size, this nymph is equipped with integrated tungsten weighting. This ensures that the fly cuts through the surface film and reaches the feeding lanes of selective fish immediately, even in faster runs where standard micro-flies often fail to sink. J:son’s hallmark anatomical realism—featuring a segmented body and lifelike legs—is exceptionally detailed at this scale. Whether you are fishing a clear spring creek or a pressured tailwater, the #18 Olive Brown BL provides the perfect combination of ethical angling, realistic silhouette, and the depth control needed to fool the most cautious trout and grayling.