Euro NymphsGlass Jig Minnow
The Glass Jig Minnow is a realistic micro baitfish pattern designed for euro nymphing situations. Featuring Shimmerbou for a durable, subtly flashy tail and Lateral Scale body material for a translucent minnow appearance, this pattern imitates small fry and baitfish. Created by Cheech at Fly Fish Food, it excels when trout are keyed on tiny baitfish.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Cheech developed the Glass Jig Minnow while experimenting with Shimmerbou from Hareline. Unlike Krystal Flash, Shimmerbou provides a more subtle flash that better imitates the natural shimmer of small baitfish. The Lateral Scale body creates a translucent, realistic appearance when coated with UV resin. This pattern is highly customizable—experiment with different color combinations to match local forage.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Fulling Mill 5125 Jig Force Short Barbless, size #16 (or Umpqua XC210BL-BN Perdi-Jig)
Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0, white (or Danville Flat Waxed 70 Denier)
Bead: Fulling Mill Slotted Tungsten, silver, 3.2mm
Body: Lateral Scale, pearl (or pink dyed pearl)
Tail/Wing: Shimmerbou, UV pearl (or standard pearl)
Back: Bruiser Blend Junior Dubbing, medium olive (or brown olive)
Eyes: Uni POSCA Paint Marker, black
Finish: Solarez UV Cure Resin, medium hard
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round, particularly productive when trout are feeding on fry in spring and fall. Also works well in winter when fish are opportunistically feeding on any available protein.
Presentation
Fish with a slow, steady retrieve or dead drift depending on conditions. The jig hook helps the pattern ride point-up and provides a natural head-down swimming motion. Vary your retrieves to find what triggers strikes.
When to Use
Deploy when you see trout chasing small baitfish or fry, or when standard insect imitations aren't producing. Excellent for aggressive, territorial fish that respond to small prey imitations.
Water Type
Most effective in slower pools, eddies, and tailouts where baitfish congregate. Also works in riffles and runs when trout are actively hunting. The slim profile cuts through current well.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 4X-5X fluorocarbon for stealth. Use as a point fly in euro rigs or solo under an indicator. The weighted bead gets it down quickly but the slim profile allows for subtle action.
Visibility & Floatation
The tungsten bead provides quick sink rate while the translucent body and subtle flash remain visible underwater. The UV-reflective materials enhance visibility in various light conditions.
