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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 3 101 - 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

Rubber legs keep moving when the fly is not The point of a big searching nymph is that a fish notices it from a distance, and rubber legs do that b...

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Category 3 Consultant UV Olive - 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

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

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

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

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

Bead and rib in the same metal, and it looks it The copper bead is the version that matches the fly to itself: the same warm metal as the wire rib ...

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Fulling Mill Pheasant Tail Micro (Nugget) - Barbless

Fulling Mill
Original price $3.30 - Original price $3.30
Original price
$3.30
$3.30 - $3.30
Current price $3.30

A micro gold beaded version of the classic Pheasant Tail Nymph which is probably the most popular nymph pattern the world over, effective for both ...

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Fulling Mill Hare's Ear Copper - Barbless

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

For fish that are grubbing about on the bottom When trout are working the river bed rather than looking up, the fly needs to be down there with the...

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Fulling Mill Hare's Ear Black - Barbless

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

Dark and heavy, for cold water at the start of the season Early season water is often cold and carrying colour, and that is when a dark nymph outfi...

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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

The one that goes on when you have no better idea There is a reason this is the pattern most anglers tie on first in unfamiliar water. It is not bu...

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Fulling Mill Czech Nymph Hares Ear

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

The Czech's hit the nail on the head A lot of people would argue that this is the fly that started the modern 'tight-line' nymphing explosion! Eith...

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Fulling Mill The French - 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 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 Skinny Damsel

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

A skinny damsel that's determined to help. This is a highly mobile pattern for when larger patterns don't get a response. Designed to imitate a dam...

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Fulling Mill Sawyer's Pheasant Tail

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

Two materials, no legs, and it still out-fishes most of the box Frank Sawyer built the original on the Wiltshire Avon in the 1950s from just pheasa...

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Fulling Mill Depth Charge Pheasant Tail - 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

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 Bead

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

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

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 - 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

The gold rib is what the name is about The dressing goes back a long way, with hare's ear fur turning up in patterns Charles Cotton set down in 167...

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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

No weight at all, which is the whole point An unweighted nymph does things a beaded one cannot. It can be fished slowly over a weed bed without dra...

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Fulling Mill Flashback Pheasant Tail - Gold Bead

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 Cruncher Original - Premium Fishing Fly

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

The One & Only, Original Cruncher. This is the original best-selling Cruncher pattern - a lightweight slow sinking nymph pattern that is highly...

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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

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

Built to sink, not to imitate John Barr tied the first of these in Colorado in 1993 with one aim, to get a rig down fast. A wire body, a bead and a...

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