NymphEgg
The Egg fly is one of the simplest yet most effective patterns in any angler's arsenal. This minimalist design uses just McFlyfoam wrapped on a curved hook to create a remarkably realistic fish egg imitation. The semi-translucent McFlyfoam material captures light and provides the natural glow that makes real eggs so appealing to trout, steelhead, and salmon feeding in spawning waters.
Fall, Winter, Spring
Beginner
Trout, Steelhead, Salmon
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box demonstrates the elegantly simple egg fly construction. The pattern's beauty lies in its simplicity - McFlyfoam provides the perfect translucent, glowing appearance of a natural fish egg while being easy to tie and extremely durable. The curved caddis hook (2488H) helps the egg maintain a round shape and provides excellent hooking characteristics. Tied in various colors to match salmon, steelhead, or trout eggs, this pattern is a must-have for fishing below spawning fish.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2488H, #14-16
Thread: Semperfli Nano Silk, 30 denier
Body: McFlyfoam
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during fall through spring spawning seasons when trout, salmon, and steelhead are actively spawning. Becomes a primary food source in rivers with salmon and steelhead runs from September through April.
Presentation
Dead drift the egg through likely holding water, maintaining a natural drift without drag. Fish close to the bottom where drifting eggs naturally settle. Strike indicators help detect the subtle takes common with egg patterns.
When to Use
Select this pattern whenever fish are spawning or when natural eggs are drifting downstream. Essential during salmon and steelhead runs, but also effective during trout spawning periods and anytime fish are conditioned to eating eggs.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly tailouts of pools, runs, and riffles below spawning redds. Most effective in the moderate currents where eggs naturally drift and collect.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish under a strike indicator with split shot to achieve proper depth. Use 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet for invisibility. Excellent as part of a two-fly rig with a stonefly or attractor nymph as the point fly.
Visibility & Floatation
The McFlyfoam body provides a natural translucency that mimics real eggs. Common colors include pale orange, apricot, peach, and chartreuse. The fly sinks slowly and should be weighted appropriately to reach the bottom where fish feed on eggs.
