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Start with what lives in the river. Flip a few rocks, look at the bugs, and pick a nymph in your box that matches the size and shape first, color second. If you can, ask a local shop or guide what’s been most consistent lately. When you’re unsure, fish one “match” nymph and one confidence pattern until the trout tell you what they want. Learn more from fly fishing expert Tom Rosenbauer.
There isn’t one best nymph everywhere, but a small set of patterns covers a lot of water. We reach for Pat’s Rubber Leg Stone, TH Zebra Midge, Flashback Bead Head American Pheasant Tail, Tunghead Prince, and Barbless Hot Rib Walt’s. Carry a few of each in different sizes and weights, and you’ll be ready for most trout days.
For trout, most boxes cover sizes 8–22, but your everyday workhorses are usually 14–18. Start there, then adjust. Go smaller in clear water or when fish are picky. Go bigger when you see larger naturals, higher flows, or when you want a stronger profile.
Use weighted nymphs when you need to get down fast, like in deeper runs, faster current, or when you want less split shot on the leader. Use unweighted nymphs in skinny water, slow seams, or when fish are spooky, and you want a softer entry and a more natural drift. If you’re not sure, start weighted, then lighten up until you’re ticking bottom occasionally without snagging all the time.
Realistic and attractor-style fly fishing nymph flies belong in every trout box for when the fish are feeding underwater. This collection brings together the patterns we trust to fish well across a wide range of rivers and seasons. You’ll find nymphs that match the bugs trout eat most, along with confidence patterns you can tie on when you’re not sure what’s hatching. For a ready-made starting point, our trout essential assortments help you cover water and switch it up when feeding patterns change.