Euro NymphsEgan's Blue Dart
Egan's Blue Dart is a competition-style euro nymph designed by Lance Egan specifically for blue-winged olive hatches. The kingfisher blue dubbing and opalescent ribbing create a flashy, attractive profile that stands out in clear water. The UV pink hot spot collar adds extra visibility for both fish and angler during technical presentations.
Spring, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Designed by Lance Egan, a renowned competitive fly fisherman and Team USA member, this pattern showcases his expertise in euro nymphing techniques. The blue coloring specifically targets blue-winged olive hatches, which are prevalent during spring and fall. The soft hackle provides subtle movement and lifelike motion in the water. The pattern can be tied with or without additional lead wire depending on water depth and current speed.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, #14
Thread: 8/0 UNI-Thread Waxed Midge, Red
Bead: Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten Beads, 3.5mm, Gold
Weight: Lead Wire Spool, 0.015 (optional)
Tail: Strung Chinese Saddle Hackle, Kingfisher Blue
Body: Ice Dub, Kingfisher Blue
Rib: Sulky Metallic Tinsel, Opalescent
Hackle: Whiting Red Label Hen Cape, Brown
Hot Spot: Ice Dub, UV Pink
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring and fall Baetis (blue-winged olive) hatches, typically March through May and September through November. Also productive in high-altitude streams during summer months when BWOs remain active. Works year-round in tailwaters with consistent hatches.
Presentation
Fish using tight-line euro nymphing techniques with a high-stick presentation. Cast upstream and maintain direct contact with the fly to detect subtle takes. The jig hook design causes the fly to ride hook-point up, reducing snags on rocky bottoms. Use short drifts in pocket water and runs where trout hold.
When to Use
Best during overcast days or low-light conditions when Baetis nymphs are most active. Effective before, during, and after visible surface activity. The UV pink hot spot provides excellent visibility in off-color water or during periods of low light. Use when trout are feeding selectively on small mayfly nymphs.
Water Type
Designed for moving water including freestone rivers, tailwaters, and spring creeks. Particularly effective in riffles, runs, and deeper pocket water where Baetis nymphs are present. Works well in clear to slightly off-color water conditions. The weighted design allows it to reach feeding zones quickly in faster currents.
Rigging Suggestions
Use 10-12 foot leader with 5X or 6X tippet for euro nymphing setups. Fish as the point fly with a lighter pattern as a dropper, or use alone in shallow water. No indicator needed with tight-line techniques. Add the optional lead wire underbody when fishing deeper runs or faster water. Position 12-18 inches above a smaller trailing fly when tandem rigging.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks quickly with the 3.5mm tungsten bead, reaching depths of 3-5 feet rapidly. The UV pink hot spot provides excellent visibility for tracking the fly during drifts. The kingfisher blue dubbing and opalescent ribbing create subtle flash and attraction without spooking fish. The soft hackle pulses naturally in the current, mimicking the movement of a swimming nymph.
