Euro NymphsThe Holographic Frenchie
A flashy variation of the classic Frenchie that uses holographic tinsel for the body instead of pheasant tail. The holographic material catches light from multiple angles, creating an irresistible flash that triggers strikes in various water conditions. Maintains the proven Frenchie profile with added attraction for pressured or selective trout.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
The Holographic Frenchie takes Lance Egan's popular Frenchie design and adds extra flash through holographic tinsel body material. This pattern gained popularity among euro nymph anglers for its enhanced visibility and attraction in deeper runs and off-color water. The holographic body creates a 3D flash effect that outperforms traditional materials in certain conditions. Many tiers experiment with different holographic colors including gold, copper, and rainbow to match various water clarities and light conditions.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, size #14
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, red
Bead: Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten Beads, 3.5mm, gold
Tail: Whiting Coq De Leon Euro Nymph Tailing Pack, Dark Pardo
Body: Holographic Tinsel, silver
Thorax: Peacock Ice Dub
Collar: Partridge feather
Fishing Tips
Season
Year Round effectiveness, particularly productive during spring and fall Baetis hatches when trout are actively feeding on mayfly nymphs. The flash is especially effective during overcast conditions or low-light periods in early morning and late evening.
Presentation
Fish with tight line euro nymphing techniques or under an indicator in deeper runs. Cast upstream and maintain contact as the fly drifts naturally along the bottom. The tungsten bead gets the fly down quickly into the feeding zone. Use short line techniques in pocket water and foam lines where trout hold in current seams.
When to Use
Best when trout are feeding on mayfly nymphs but proving selective or when extra attraction is needed. Effective in stained water conditions where the flash helps trout locate the fly. Excellent choice in deeper pools and runs where visibility is reduced. Works well during high competition situations when fish have seen standard patterns.
Water Type
Designed for moving water environments including freestone streams, tailwaters, and spring creeks. Particularly effective in riffles, runs, and pocket water where the flash can draw attention from feeding lanes. The jig hook design minimizes snags in rocky structure.
Rigging Suggestions
Use as point fly on 9-12 foot euro nymphing leader with 4X-5X tippet. Can be paired with a lighter nymph or dry dropper setup. The tungsten bead provides sufficient weight in most conditions, but add split shot 18 inches above in deep or fast water. Works well in tandem rigs with a smaller midge or soft hackle as trailing fly.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks quickly due to the 3.5mm tungsten bead, reaching depths of 3-5 feet in moderate current. The holographic tinsel creates multi-directional flash that remains visible even in deeper water. The slim profile cuts through current efficiently. The red thread and hot spot collar provide additional strike indicators for detecting subtle takes. Gold bead adds weight and attraction without spooking fish in clear water.
