Euro NymphsEgan's Headstand
The Egan's Headstand is a unique and effective nymph pattern designed to ride hook point up. It's created to imitate a variety of aquatic insects and has a bead to help it sink quickly while also acting as the 'head' of the fly. The bright red hotspot can trigger aggressive strikes.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
A modern Euro-style nymph with a tungsten bead at the rear of the hook shank, causing the fly to ride hook-up in a “headstand” position. Typically tied with pheasant tail or synthetic dubbing, a flashy rib, and a prominent hotspot collar. Great for tight-line nymphing near the bottom.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Daiichi 1560, size #14–#18
Thread: Olive 8/0 UNI-Thread
Bead: Gold tungsten, size to match hook
Tail: Coq De Leon
Body: Olive dubbing
Rib: Copper wire
Thorax: Red Ice Dub
Legs: Pheasant tail fibers
Fishing Tips
Season
This fly is effective year-round, but is especially good during spring and fall when trout are actively feeding on nymphs.
Presentation
The Egan's Headstand is best fished near the bottom, so use enough weight to get it down quickly. It can be fished as a single nymph or as part of a multiple fly rig.
When to Use
Use the Egan's Headstand whenever trout are feeding on nymphs, particularly in heavily fished waters where trout have seen every other fly.
Water Type
This pattern is best in moving water, particularly in rivers and streams.
Rigging Suggestions
Use a strike indicator to detect subtle strikes. Use enough weight to get the fly down to the bottom where trout are feeding.
Visibility & Floatation
The Egan's Headstand sinks quickly due to its tungsten bead head. The bright red hotspot is easily visible underwater and can entice trout to strike.
