Euro NymphsDread Tag Jig
The Dread Tag Jig is a super effective euro nymph that can be tied very quickly using pre-tied rabbit dread material. This pattern demonstrates cool techniques including creating a hare's ear rope body and a tag that matches your whip finish color, making it both practical and productive on the water.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Beginner
Trout
Overview
Designed by Fly Fish Food, the Dread Tag Jig is a really effective fly that also serves as an excellent teaching pattern for several useful euro nymphing techniques. The pre-tied rabbit dread material makes the body construction quick and easy, while the fluorescent orange tag provides both a trigger point and matches the whip finish for a clean look. The combination of the dubbed collar and segmented body creates a buggy profile that trout find hard to resist. This style of fly exemplifies modern euro nymphing efficiency - simple materials, quick to tie, and deadly effective.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua XC400BL-BN, size 12
Thread: Veevus Power Thread 70 Denier - Fluorescent Orange #137
Bead: Hareline Slotted Tungsten Beads - Copper - 1/8" (3.3mm)
Body: Rabbit Dreads - Hare's Ear
Rib: Semperfli Tying Wire - 0.2 - Copper
Collar: Hareline Squirrel Hair Dubbing - Black
Fishing Tips
Season
Most productive in Spring, Summer, and Fall when mayflies and caddis are active
Presentation
Fish on a tight line euro rig with minimal weight on the leader, allowing the tungsten bead to provide natural sink rate
When to Use
Excellent choice when trout are feeding on subsurface nymphs in moderate to fast currents
Water Type
Best in moving water including runs, riffles, and pocket water
Rigging Suggestions
Works well as a point fly or middle fly in a multi-fly euro rig setup
Visibility & Floatation
The copper tungsten bead gets the fly down quickly while the fluorescent orange tag provides a hot spot that triggers strikes and helps track the fly's position
