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| Damsel Nymph |
| Damsel flies are plentiful on the South Branch. At times they are the prefered food of the smallmouth bass. I have found that this nymphal stage brings many more strikes than does the adult. The Damsel Nymph will suspend in the water film, just below the surface and is easy prey for the aggressive smallmouth. Fish it in pools and more quiet runs. Tied in size 8 on a 3x hook. |
| The Hairy Nymph is my favorite Mayfly nymph pattern. It is excellent for smallmouth in size 8-12 on a 3X hook and size 12-16 for trout. This pattern is weighted and fished from just beneath the surface to the bottom. I have caught many smallmouth with the Hairy Nymph during early spring and autumn. |
| Hairy Nymph |
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| Winged Nymph |
| The Winged Nymph is a productive subsurface pattern that has proven productive for both smallmouth and trout. I have found that fish, at times, are very responsive to the color orange and also beautiful Peacock herl. This fly has both. Tied in sizes 12 & 14. |
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| South Branch Beauty |
| The South Branch Beauty is considered an old style wet fly. This type fly is not seen much now days but they are very productive for smallmouth and trout. It is fished subsurface and is tied in sizes 12-16. Try this fly. You won't be disappointed. |
| Red Fox Nymph |
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| This is another fly made totally of fox hair. I have found that fox hair is not only beautiful but also looks and acts well when wet. The Red Fox Nymph is weighted therefore sinks. It is a "dynamite fly". Fished up stream and across on the dead drift and stripped back at the end of the swing, the RFN will produce smallmouth. Tied in size 10 on a 2X hook. |
| Red Fox Soft Hackle |
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| The Red Fox Soft Hackle is similar to the Red Fox Nymph except it has a sweeping soft hackle instead of a wing. It to is weighted and tied on a 2X hook, size 8-14. |
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