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 High-Contrast Sinker – J:son Tungsten Mayfly Nymph 3 Black (Hook #12) The Tungsten Black Nymph 3 in size #12 is a specialized tool designed for maximum visibility and a fast sink rate. In the underwater world, a black silhouette often provides the sharpest contrast against a bright sky or a sandy riverbed, making this an exceptionally effective pattern in both very clear and slightly peat-stained waters.
Tied on a precision size #12 hook, this model features integrated tungsten weighting that allows it to bypass the surface film and reach the strike zone instantly. It is a perfect match for the larger, darker swimming nymphs found in many cold-water streams. J:son’s hallmark anatomical realism—featuring a segmented body and lifelike legs—ensures that the fly maintains a convincing profile even in turbulent currents. This is an essential "anchor fly" for technical nymphing or a standalone choice when you need a medium-sized, realistic profile that gets down deep where the big fish are feeding.