Euro NymphsThe Americanchie
A creative variation of the Frenchie using Americanized materials, featuring Coq De Leon center tail for the body and Brahma wing soft hackle collar. The combination of CDL fibers from León, Spain with UV Shrimp Pink creates an attractive hot spot pattern. Effective for euro nymphing and tight-line presentations in technical water.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Developed by Curtis in December 2018 as an American interpretation of the popular Frenchie pattern. The pattern substitutes standard pheasant tail fibers with premium Coq De Leon center tail feathers, which provide superior translucency and natural segmentation. The Brahma wing soft hackle adds subtle movement and a softer profile compared to traditional CDC collars. The UV Shrimp Pink hot spot increases visibility to both fish and angler in technical euro nymphing situations.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, size #14
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, Red
Bead: Mottled Tactical Slotted Tungsten Bead, Hare's Ear Brown, 7/64" (2.8mm)
Tail: Whiting Coq De Leon Tailing Pack, Medium Pardo
Weight: Lead Wire Spool, .015
Abdomen: Whiting Coq De Leon Tail Feathers
Ribbing: UTC Ultra Wire, Copper Brown, Small
Hot Spot: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, Red
Soft Hackle: Whiting Brahma Wing Soft Hackle Pair
Thorax: Ice Dub, UV Shrimp Pink
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round, particularly productive during spring and fall Baetis hatches. Works well in winter when trout are feeding on small mayfly nymphs in slower water. Summer effectiveness in high-altitude streams and tailwaters with consistent temperatures.
Presentation
Cast upstream and use a high-stick or tight-line technique to maintain contact with the fly. The jig hook rides point-up, reducing snags on rocky bottoms. Allow the fly to drift naturally along the bottom with minimal drag. The soft hackle provides natural movement even on dead drifts.
When to Use
Best during active feeding periods when trout are targeting small mayfly nymphs. Effective in clear water conditions where the natural CDL coloring won't spook fish. The UV hot spot makes it ideal for overcast days or low-light conditions. Works well when fish are selective to smaller profiles.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly productive in riffles, runs, and pocket water of freestone streams. Excellent in tailwaters and spring creeks where trout see heavy fishing pressure. The weighted bead and lead wire help reach feeding zones quickly in 2-4 feet of depth.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 9-12 foot leader with 5X-6X tippet for euro nymphing presentations. Use as a point fly in tandem rigs with a lighter dropper pattern. Can be fished alone or with a sighting indicator for subtle takes. Add additional split shot if fishing deeper runs or faster currents.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks quickly with combination of tungsten bead and lead wire underbody. The slotted bead helps the fly ride point-up on jig hook. CDL fibers create natural translucency in water while the UV pink hot spot provides excellent visibility for tracking the fly. Slim profile cuts through current efficiently for better depth control.
