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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 Christopher Bassano's Unweighted Claret Nymph

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.95 - Original price $4.95
Original price
$4.95
$4.95 - $4.95
Current price $4.95

Simple yet deadly, the unweighted claret nymph gets the job done even in the toughest of situations. With claret being a go-to colour, this unweigh...

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Fulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Claret Nymph Copper Bead

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.95 - Original price $4.95
Original price
$4.95
$4.95 - $4.95
Current price $4.95

When the fish are down deep you need a fly that can reach them, this one has you covered. A very versatile pattern which can be fished under a dry,...

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Fulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Claret Nymph Black Bead

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.95 - Original price $4.95
Original price
$4.95
$4.95 - $4.95
Current price $4.95

A great option to get down where the fish are hiding. Similar to the Claret Copper Bead this juicy nymph is a great option for those days when the ...

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Fulling Mill Small Black Stone (OE) - Barbless

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

A close copy imitation of the small Black Stonefly Nymph by Oliver Edwards. Featuring a barbless hook for a streamlined release and less chance of ...

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Fulling Mill SR Spanish Bullet French Barbless

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

The Spanish Bullet is designed to sink fast in heavy flowing water. When getting your flies down to the bottom is key, reach for the Tungsten beade...

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Fulling Mill Roza's Pink French Fly - Barbless Jig

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

Slim enough to cut straight to the bottom French-style nymphs are built thin on purpose: a neat tungsten bead and a tight, slim body so the fly dro...

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Fulling Mill Roza's Hackled Olive - Barbless Jig

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

A world champion's olive, with hackle to make it breathe Lubos Roza won a world championship at twenty, the youngest ever to do it, and his jig nym...

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Fulling Mill Roza's Red Tag - Barbless Jig

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

The older, quieter colour, and it still works Red is the traditional tag colour and a more restrained one than pink, which makes this the version f...

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Fulling Mill Roza's Pink Tag - Barbless Jig

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

The trigger goes at the back on this one A tag sits at the tail rather than the head or the thorax, so a fish following the fly sees a dark body wi...

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Category 3 Flashback Pheasant Tail - Copper Tungsten Bead

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

A pheasant tail that stopped pretending to be subtle A plain pheasant tail is an imitation. Add legs, UV dubbing and a flashback and you have somet...

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Fulling Mill X-Factor Dee Devil

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

Dee Devil, Tasmanian Devil, What's the difference?  The River Dee might be in another hemisphere, but the trout are all descended from the same sto...

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Fulling Mill White Bead Pheasant Tail - Barbless Jig

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

A Pheasant Tail with a Glowing Difference If you don't have a UV torch, buy on, steal one do whatever you have to to just get one. Then shine it on...

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Fulling Mill Roza's Pink Hares Ear - Barbless Jig

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

Buggy where it counts, bright where it needs to be Hare's fur is the scruffiest dubbing there is, and the guard hairs standing out from the body su...

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Fulling Mill SR Orange Head Mary - Barbless

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

Tricky Rainbows? Seems like a misnomer but they do exist... Anyone that's spotted pods of rainbows and simply can t get them to eat late season and...

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Fulling Mill SR Pink Head Mary - Barbless

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

Tricky Rainbows? Seems like a misnomer but they do exist... Anyone that's spotted pods of rainbows and simply can t get them to eat late season and...

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Fulling Mill 3D Glass Buzzer - Dark Olive

Fulling Mill
Original price $2.90 - Original price $2.90
Original price
$2.90
$2.90 - $2.90
Current price $2.90

Real pupae are translucent, which is why glass works When a midge pupa is ready to hatch it fills with gas under its own skin and starts a slow ver...

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Fulling Mill Flexi Floss Buzzer Black

Fulling Mill
Original price $2.90 - Original price $2.90
Original price
$2.90
$2.90 - $2.90
Current price $2.90

Banded, because a real pupa is Stretch flexi floss over a hook and you get hard, distinct segments rather than the soft fuzz of dubbing, and a midg...

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Category 3 Gummers Ultra Tactical PTN - Copper Tungsten Bead

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

Tactical means you get the weight you actually asked for The word gets used loosely, but on a nymph it means something specific: a slim profile, a ...

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Category 3 Gummers Generic Crusher - Black Tungsten Bead

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

Drift it, swing it, drag it or bomb it Some nymphs only work one way. This is not one of them, and that is the argument for carrying it: the same f...

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Category 3 Hare & Copper UV - Black Tungsten Bead

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

A trigger in the body, not on the head This is the odd one in the family and the most useful on tricky water. The hare's fur is blended with UV fla...

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Category 3 Hare & Copper - Red Tungsten Bead

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

A spot of red, for the reason nobody can quite explain Trout show a persistent liking for a touch of red on a nymph, and the red tungsten bead puts...

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Fulling Mill Depth Charge Czech Mate Hare's Ear - Amber

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

Czech, Mate. Who doesn't love an excellent pun? Be warned though this fly is no joke! A very serious bottom-bouncing fish catcher straight form the...

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Fulling Mill OE Double Bead Beatis

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

Beatis are back! Then again they never really went anywhere... An ultra-slim profile, super lifelike tail and leg arrangement, this fly is a clear/...

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Fulling Mill Natural Pheasant Tail - Barbless Jig

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

A standout-natural Pheasant tail Jig This is a stellar all-rounder of a jig pattern. Natural with just the slightest hint of flash around the thora...

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