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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.


Fulling Mill Sawyer's Pheasant Tail - Premium Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $2.70 - Original price $2.70
Original price
$2.70
$2.70 - $2.70
Current price $2.70

The best selling variation of the original, tied with a redhead as a micro hot spot. Effective on both rivers and still waters. Here at Tom's Outdo...

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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 March Brown - Premium Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $2.70 - Original price $2.70
Original price
$2.70
$2.70 - $2.70
Current price $2.70

March Browns are an important food source for river trout, but this simple dark nymph is an ideal general-purpose pattern suitable for imitating a ...

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Fulling Mill Living Damsel (Dark Olive) - Premium Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $3.90 - Original price $3.90
Original price
$3.90
$3.90 - $3.90
Current price $3.90

A Damsel you won't be able to resist. The Living Damsel nymph imitation is tied with a realistic-looking extended body and weighted eyes. The weigh...

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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 Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph - Natural

Fulling Mill
Original price $3.90 - Original price $3.90
Original price
$3.90
$3.90 - $3.90
Current price $3.90

It's all about the Hare's Ear. The Hare's Ear nymph is a great general pattern that catches many fish, all over the world on both still and running...

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Fulling Mill Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph - Natural Unweighted

Fulling Mill
Original price $3.90 - Original price $3.90
Original price
$3.90
$3.90 - $3.90
Current price $3.90

In case you didn't know, it's all about the Hare's Ear. You can't go wrong with the best selling classic Hare's Ear nymph. The Hare's Ear is unweig...

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Fulling Mill Flashback Shrimp - Premium Wet Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $3.90 - Original price $3.90
Original price
$3.90
$3.90 - $3.90
Current price $3.90

Use the Flashback Shrimp around weed beds where the extra flash makes the fly stand out against the background, fish in both still and running wate...

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Fulling Mill Flashback Pheasant Tail -w/ Gold Bead - Premium Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $3.90 - Original price $3.90
Original price
$3.90
$3.90 - $3.90
Current price $3.90

This best selling Nymph will make stalking easier. The gold bead pulls the fly deeper, whilst the pearlescent flashback make this a useful stalking...

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Fulling Mill Corixa (Water Boatman) Silver Paddles - Premium Wet Fly

Fulling Mill
Original price $3.90 - Original price $3.90
Original price
$3.90
$3.90 - $3.90
Current price $3.90

An excellent, natural looking imitation to use when fish are feeding on natural corixa. Try it around the weed beds when water boatmen are active. ...

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Fulling Mill Copper John - Premium Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $3.90 - Original price $3.90
Original price
$3.90
$3.90 - $3.90
Current price $3.90

Copper John is a talented all-rounder. A best-selling general purpose, slim-bodied nymph suitable for imitating a whole range of natural food items...

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Fulling Mill Brass Bead Mayfly Micro - Premium Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $3.90 - Original price $3.90
Original price
$3.90
$3.90 - $3.90
Current price $3.90

It's micro, it's marvellous... it's the Mayfly. The Mayfly Micro covers the smaller mayfly species and also some of the larger Pale Olives. It's a ...

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Fulling Mill Black Seals Fur Nymph

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

The Seals Fur nymph is a great all-round pattern that has been a worldwide favourite for decades. Effective in both rivers and lakes, this pattern ...

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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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Fulling Mill Barbless Tungsten Andrzejs High Visibility - Nymph

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

A highly visible barbless 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...

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