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 Deep-Water Titan – J:son Tungsten Mayfly Nymph 2 Light Olive (Hook #6) The Tungsten Light Olive Nymph 2 in size #6 is a large and powerful imitation, specifically crafted to match the largest species of swimming and digging mayfly nymphs. Equipped with integrated tungsten weighting, this fly is designed to descend rapidly through the water column, making it the perfect tool for dredging deep pools and heavy currents where trophy fish hold tight to the bottom.
The light olive coloration provides a natural, semi-translucent appearance that is exceptionally effective in clear water or during bright conditions. Tied on a sturdy size #6 hook, it offers a significant profile for targeting large trout and grayling. J:son’s hallmark anatomical precision ensures that the fly maintains its realistic silhouette—complete with a segmented body and lifelike legs—even when subjected to high-pressure flows. Fish it on a dead-drift or with a slow, bottom-hugging retrieve to mimic a massive nymph moving through the current.