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Nymphing on the Tumut River

Fly Fishing Gear | Nymphs

From the legendary Copper John to the fan-favourite Pink Tag Jig, we range a fantastic collection of Fulling Mill and Category 3 nymphs, suitable for use in our local area, around Australia and next door (New Zealand).

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WHAT IS A NYMPH?

A nymph is a type of fly designed to imitate the aquatic larval stage of insects. Unlike dry flies, which float on the water's surface, nymphs are meant to sink below the surface, mimicking insects that drift or crawl along the bottom of rivers and streams. Nymphs are effective for catching fish that are feeding on subsurface prey, making them a key tool in many fly fishing scenarios.

WHEN TO FISH NYMPHS

Nymphing is particularly effective in situations where fish are focused on subsurface prey rather than surface insects. Nymphs are a go-to choice when you observe that fish are not actively feeding on or near the surface, which can be common in periods of low insect hatch activity. Their ability to imitate the aquatic larval stage of insects makes them suitable for catching fish that are foraging close to the bottom which makes them an effective choice in all seasons.

In terms of water conditions, nymphs are versatile and can be effective in a range of environments. They are well-suited for both moving and still water, particularly in deeper pools, runs, or areas with a slower current where fish are likely to be holding close to the bottom. Nymph fishing is also beneficial in murky or stained water, as these flies can still attract fish even when visibility is reduced. By fishing nymphs, anglers can effectively target fish that are feeding in the subsurface layers, which is crucial for successful fishing when surface activity is minimal.

WHAT IS AN IDEAL NYMPHING SETUP?

For an ideal nymph setup, the rod, line, leader, and tippet all need to be carefully chosen. A rod suitable for nymph fishing typically has a weight range from 4 to 6. Rod lengths usually range from 9 to 11 feet for nymph fishing, with longer rods being favored for techniques such as Euro nymphing, which requires greater control and sensitivity.

The line used for nymph fishing is often a weight-forward floating line or a dedicated nymphing line with a specific taper. For Euro nymphing, a specialized line with a thin diameter and high visibility is commonly used, which helps in detecting subtle takes and maintaining control over the drift.

Leaders for nymph fishing are generally longer and heavier than those used for dry fly fishing, ranging from 9 to 15 feet. A tapered leader helps with turnover and ensures a smooth presentation, while for Euro nymphing, a level leader with a fine diameter is often used to maintain sensitivity and control. Tippets are crucial in connecting the leader to the nymph and should be chosen based on the size of the nymph and the target fish. For nymph fishing, tippet sizes typically range from 4X to 7X, with lighter tippets being used for smaller nymphs and delicate presentations. In Euro nymphing, the tippet is usually thinner to enhance sensitivity and detect subtle strikes.

NEED HELP CHOOSING FLIES? CONTACT US TODAY

If you have a particular nymphing setup in mind but would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.


Category 3 Big T Caddis - Black Tungsten Bead Nymph

Category 3 Fly Company
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

This generic Green Caddis pattern has earnt its place in the flybox The Big T, named after the Mighty Tongariro River on the Cenrtal Plateau of t...

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Category 3 All Black - Black Tungsten Bead Nymph

Category 3 Fly Company
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

Turn over any rock on most rivers and there will be lots of small black stuff crawling around. Black flies are a critical component in any fly box....

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Category 3 101 - Black Tungsten Bead Nymph

Category 3 Fly Company
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

Sometimes you need a large heavy searching stonefly pattern. 101 covers all the bases with its heavy tungsten bead and rubber legs. Hook: Tiemco 2...

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Category 3 Consultant UV Olive - Black Tungsten Bead Nymph

Category 3 Fly Company
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

Occasionally fish like something bright with a high Ultra Violet content. This fly can be very effective on a Tailwater fishery especially in low ...

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Category 3 Consultant UV Pink - Black Tungsten Bead Nymph

Category 3 Fly Company
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

Occasionally fish like something bright with a high Ultra Violet content. This fly can be very effective in a Tailwater fishery, especially in low...

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Category 3 York - Copper Tungsten Bead Nymph

Category 3 Fly Company
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

Tied on a Tiemco 2457 super strong curved nymph hook with a wide gape. Curved wide gape hooks give you a better hook set. Another Pheasant tail v...

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Category 3 Hare & Copper - Copper Tungsten Bead Nymph

Category 3 Fly Company
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

Tied on a Tiemco 2457 super strong curved nymph hook with a wide gape. Curved wide gape hooks give you a better hook set. This is the copper tung...

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Fulling Mill Jig Bugger Olive Tungsten Bead - Barbless

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

Get Jiggy with it The Jig Bugger is a versatile variant of the classic woolly-bugger great for lakeds and rivers, naturally drifted like a large n...

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Fulling Mill Hare's Ear Copper - Barbless Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

Hares Ears are highly effective general purpose nymphs, this one has a copper coloured tungsten bead at the head, great for when fish are grubbing ...

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Fulling Mill Hare's Ear Black -Barbless Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

This dark bodied Hares Ear Features a Tungsten Bead at the head to help get your fly right down quickly to feeding fish. Barbless.

Fulling Mill Hare's Ear Natural

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

A best seller. A simple generic Hares Ear Nymph with a gold Tungsten Bead at the head to help get your fly right deep down to feeding fish fast.

Fulling Mill The French - Barbless Tungsten Jig Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

The French Nymph has been a deadly pattern for trout and grayling the world over. Use this fly in all sizes on either the point or dropper of a two...

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Fulling Mill Depth Charge Pheasant Tail Gold Tungsten Bead - Premium Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

It's exquisite, it's simple - it's everything you could ask for in a fly. Believe it or not, this particular nymph is one of the most popular patte...

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Fulling Mill Pheasant Tail Flashback Gold Tungsten - Premium Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

If you're after a nymph that will reach all the right places - stay where you are, this is it! In addition to the gold tungsten bead, the crystal h...

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Fulling Mill Depth Charge Hares Ear Premium Nymph - Black Gold Tungsten Bead

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

A best seller. A simple, dark, generic nymph featuring a large tungsten bead at the head to help get your fly right deep down to feeding fish. Here...

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Fulling Mill Barbless Tungsten SR Orange Tag Jig - Tactical Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

This barbless jig pattern is perfect for when the fish are hard on the bottom; a great point fly for any time of the year. Here at Tom's Outdoors, ...

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Fulling Mill Barbless Tungsten Pink Tag Jig - Tactical Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

This barbless jig pattern is perfect for when the fish are hard on the bottom; a great point fly for any time of the year. Here at Tom's Outdoors, ...

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Fulling Mill Barbless Tungsten Pink Hot Spot Jig - Premium Tactical Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

This barbless jig pattern is perfect for when the fish are hard on the bottom; a great point fly for any time of the year. Here at Tom's Outdoors, ...

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Fulling Mill Barbless Tungsten Pheasant Tail Hot Spot Jig - Tactical Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

If the fish are hard on the bottom, the Hot Spot Jig will deliver. Tied on a jig hook with a copper-coloured tungsten bead, this jig pattern is per...

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Fulling Mill Barbless Tungsten KJ March Brown Jig - Tactical Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

An effective pattern that features a tungsten bead to help get your fly right down to feeding fish fast. Here at Tom's Outdoors, we know a premium ...

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Fulling Mill Barbless Tungsten KJ CdC Red Tag Jig - Tactical Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

A tungsten bead is featured to help get your fly right down to feeding fish fast. Here at Tom's Outdoors, we know a premium product when we see one...

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Fulling Mill Barbless Tungsten Duracell Jig - Tactical Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

The Duracell just keeps on going, and going, and going... Jig hook, UV and the subtle nature of CdC combine to create one of the best Nymphs that w...

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Fulling Mill Barbless Tungsten Czech Pheasant Tail Copper - Tactical Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

A tactical fly that features a tungsten bead to help get your fly right down to feeding fish fast. Here at Tom's Outdoors, we know a premium produc...

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Fulling Mill Barbless Tungsten Czech Pheasant Tail Black - Tactical Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

A classic nymph style with fish-pulling powers. The Fulling Mill Tungsten Czech Pheasant Tail Black is a slight variation on the ever-popular and p...

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