NymphDamsel Fly

Natural Behavior: Damselfly nymphs swim with distinctive lateral undulations through aquatic vegetation in stillwaters, propelling themselves in short bursts using caudal gills that pulse rhythmically. Fish in lakes and ponds key heavily on migrating damsels during late spring and early summer when nymphs abandon the safety of weeds to swim toward shore for emergence, creating predictable feeding opportunities along drop-offs and weed edges.

Where Trout Eat It: Trout intercept migrating damsel nymphs along drop-offs, weed edges, and shoal transitions at 2-10 feet deep during late spring when nymphs swim toward shore for emergence.

How to Fish It: Slow hand-twist retrieve (one inch per second) with occasional side-to-side rod twitches and 2-3 second pauses. Short quick jerks every 20-30 seconds imitate crawling amongst weeds.

Best Water: Weed edges bordering drop-offs where damsels migrate from deep vegetation, and shoal transitions between depths.

Strike Type: Stillwater trout inhale this pattern during the slow retrieve, producing a steady draw that gradually loads the rod rather than a sharp strike—maintain retrieve until weight confirms.

Rigging Suggestions: Fish this pattern on a floating line with a long leader and tippet. A slow retrieve will help to imitate the swimming motion of the natural insect.

Seasonal Timing: and Use this pattern during a damselfly hatch or as a searching pattern in lake environments. It can also be effective in moving water near the banks.

Pro Tips: The Damsel Fly is a sinking pattern. Its olive color helps it blend in with the natural environment, and the bead chain eyes help it sink to the right depth. The Solarez Bone Dry UV resin coating adds shine and durability to the fly.