The Mayfly Nymph by Mo Bradley
The mayfly nymph lives in many places including rivers, creeks, small lakes and large ones. The common may fly nymph which the lake fly fisher is most interested in lives its short life on the lake bottom feeding on small animals and plants, until the time comes to emerge, hatch and breed, therefore, continuing the species.
The name Mayfly is incorrect, in the book “THE COMPLETE ANGLER”, written in 1653, when fly fishing is said to have started, ISSAC WALTON was correct when he referred to this nymph as the ‘DAY FLY’. Meaning that it lives only 24 hours after emerging, and to top it all off, this small fish morsel emerges from May through September, not just in the month of May…. So why not just tie one on and try it, you might be pleasantly surprised.
This is how I tie one of my many patterns:
Mo’s Pheasant Tail Nymph
Most active time:
May through September
Colours: brown, green, and earthy tones
Hooks: 12 -3x and smaller
1. Dress hook, by wrapping tying thread from eye to bend
2. Tie in tail of three fronds of pheasant tail. – tie in strong enough to hold when pulled on.
3. Tie on body material of pheasant tail fronds 6 or less.
4. Wrap thread to within 1/8 of an inch of eye and tie off.
5. Wrap body material to within 1/8 of an inch of eye and tie off
6. Tie in wing case of pheasant tail fronds , about six. a) tie shiny side down ,about half down hook shank. b) choose the fronds ,so that the black bar will be in wing case.
7. Tie in peacock herl for thorax.
8. Wrap peacock herl and tie off.
9. Tie in legs just under thorax of guinea fowl barbules, tease apart or use beard hackle.
10. Now bring wing case over thorax and tie off
11. Whip finish, and cement head.
12. Now tease the tail fronds between your thumbnail and index finger, causing them to curl upwards.
How to Fish the Mayfly Nymph:
The Mayfly Nymph – what can I say about this perfect little insect? I have caught many large fish on this delicate little morsel… You can fish it on any line, but I prefer the full floater and long leader, as with the Cheroniment.
When you arrive at your favorite lake, (anytime from May – September) you could see Mayfly around. If so, try to find a weedy area, with water 5 to 20 feet deep. Cast a long straight lines towards sedge grasses or weeds sticking through the water surface. After your cast, lower your rod tip a few inches from the water surface, and at the angle to the boat. Retrieve very slowly and watch your line for the slightest movement.
The rest is up to you… GOOD LUCK…..!
