A realistic Mayfly
nymph pattern
Fishing the Swimming Mayfly Nymph: Imitation and Tactics
Fly fishers have developed a variety of techniques to imitate swimming mayfly nymphs, both before and during a hatch.
1. Imitating the Nymph Stage
Before a hatch, fish focus on nymphs swimming in open water or drifting near the bottom. Anglers can take advantage of this by using nymph patterns designed to mimic the movement and appearance of real mayfly larvae.
Best Fly Patterns for Swimming Nymphs:
Pheasant Tail Nymph – A versatile, natural-looking mayfly imitation
Hare’s Ear Nymph – Imitates the soft, fuzzy body of a mayfly nymph.
Baetis Nymph – Perfect for mimicking smaller swimming mayflies like those in the Baetidae family.
The Nymph pattern shown in the video below
Fish nymphs using a slow retrieve with gentle twitches to imitate their darting, erratic movement. Using a floating line with a long leader allows the fly to sink naturally while remaining in the strike zone.
2. Fishing the Emerger Stage
As nymphs begin to rise towards the surface to emerge, fish key in on this vulnerable stage. Some nymphs struggle to break through the surface film, making them an irresistible target for hungry trout.
Best Fly Patterns for Emergers:
- RS2 (Rim’s Semblance 2) – A deadly emerger pattern for picky fish.
- Soft Hackle Wet Fly – Mimics a nymph shedding its skin.
- Klinkhamer Special – Half submerged, perfect for imitating a struggling emerger.
🔹 Fishing Tip:
Use a floating line with a greased leader to keep the fly just beneath the surface. A slow, steady retrieve or a simple dead drift often triggers aggressive strikes.
3. Targeting the Adult (Dry Fly Fishing)
Once the nymphs successfully emerge, they transform into subimagos (duns), which rest on the water’s surface before molting into spinners. This is when dry fly fishing becomes most effective.
✅ Best Dry Fly Patterns for Mayflies:
- Parachute Adams – A go-to pattern for many mayfly species.
- Comparadun – Floats low in the water, imitating a dun perfectly.
- Sparkle Dun – Mimics the shimmer of a freshly emerged mayfly.
🔹 Fishing Tip:
During a hatch, fish selectively feed on duns sitting on the surface. A dead drift presentation (allowing the fly to float naturally with the current) is crucial. If you see fish rising but refusing your fly, try a slight twitch to simulate a struggling mayfly.
The Key to Success: Matching the Hatch
One of the golden rules of fly fishing is “match the hatch”—choosing a fly pattern that closely resembles the natural insects fish are feeding on. Observing the water carefully can provide clues:
- Swim a small net through the water to see what nymphs are present.
- Check spider webs near the water to identify adult mayflies.
- Observe how fish are feeding—are they rising, sipping, or aggressively striking?
By identifying the right stage of the mayfly’s life cycle, anglers can increase their chances of success and enjoy one of the most rewarding experiences in fly fishing.