Damsel Nymph Fly

Damsel Nymph

A highly effective aquatic pattern that mimics damselfly nymphs, which in a way can be seen as a small version of an olive colored woolly bugger.

How it's tied

The Damsel Nymph is tied on a curved or straight nymph hook, utilizing materials that replicate the unique characteristics of damselfly nymphs. The body is typically formed with olive, blue, or tan dubbing, crafted to capture the slender, segmented profile of a real damselfly nymph.

Marabou or other soft feather fibers are used to craft the tail, simulating the three distinct caudal gills of the damselfly nymph. The added movement of these materials under water greatly increases the fly's lifelike appeal.

The addition of mono or bead chain eyes can provide extra weight to help the nymph descend in the water column.

What it mimics

The Damsel Nymph is designed to mimic damselfly nymphs, a common and essential food source for trout and other freshwater species. With its realistic profile, enticing movement, and color matching, it becomes a highly effective pattern for targeting fish feeding on these aquatic insects.

Where it's used

The Damsel Nymph is versatile and can be used in a wide range of water types, including rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. It is particularly effective in stillwater situations like lakes and slow-moving rivers where damselflies are most abundant. When fishing the Damsel Nymph, techniques such as slow retrieval or indicator nymphing can be used to mimic the swimming motion of the natural nymphs.

Fly tying video for the Damsel Nymph

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Fish you can can fly fish for with the Damsel Nymph

Bream

Brook trout

Brown Trout

Chub

Common Carp

Cutthroat Trout

Golden Trout

Grayling

Ide

Marble Trout

Perch

Rainbow Trout

Roach

Rudd

Steelhead

Tench

Dragonflies and Damselflies (Latin: Odonata)

The Damsel Nymph mimics one or more species from the insect order Dragonflies and Damselflies

Latin: Odonata

Odonata consists of dragonflies and damselflies, predatory insects with large eyes, slender bodies, and excellent flight abilities.

Read more about Dragonflies and Damselflies

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