Floating Nymph

HOOK: 900BL, sizes 16-18 THREAD: Olive TAIL: A few blue dun hackle fibers ABDOMEN: Superfine, olive WING: Ball of light gray poly dubbing THORAX: Same as abdomen LEGS: Same as tail

Uses

When they're ready to hatch, the nymphs of most mayfly species rise to the surface and, if it is a small species such as a blue-winged olive, the surface tension halts its progress. The adult starts to crawl out of the shuck, but it will be a while before it's out and ready to fly off. Trout recognize a helpless meal when they see one, so they gobble up the floating nymphs.

Variations

Floating nymphs work best during hatches of small mayflies. This dressing imitates a blue-winged olive; vary the size and color to match other small mayflies.

How to match other small mayfly nymphs

How to Fish

Dress the ball (only) with floatant and present as a shallow nymph.