Euro NymphsIdaho Stank
The Idaho Stank is a modern perdigon-style euro nymph designed by Cheech in October 2018. Its distinctive pink body quill with red highlights creates an eye-catching profile that excels in competition settings. Developed while fishing with Tim Meikle, it proved to be the king of the trip when fished behind a foam hopper pattern.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Originally tied with a gold bead and sparse rainbow sow scud dubbing collar, this pattern has evolved into the streamlined version popular today. The unusual pink body quill creates high visibility in off-color water while maintaining a slim perdigon profile. The name references Cheech's fishing buddy from Idaho, and the pattern works well even if you're not from the Gem State. Ideal for competitive fly fishing scenarios where visibility and quick sink rates are essential.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook (preferred): Umpqua XC210BL-BN Perdi-Jig Hook, #16
Hook (alt): Firehole Sticks 516 Jig Hook, #16
Thread: Veevus Body Quill, Pale Pink
Bead: Hareline Slotted Tungsten Beads, Classic Colors, Black, 7/64" (2.8mm)
Tail: Whiting Coq De Leon Euro Nymph Tailing Pack, Dark Pardo
Light: Loon UV Infiniti Light
Resin: Loon UV Clear Fly Finish, Flow
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round, particularly productive during spring and fall mayfly hatches. The bright pink body makes it especially useful in off-color water conditions or when fish are actively feeding but not responding to natural colors.
Presentation
Fish using high-stick euro nymphing techniques with a tight line to maintain contact. The tungsten bead ensures a quick sink rate, allowing the fly to reach the strike zone rapidly. Use short casts and maintain a downstream drift angle for maximum effectiveness.
When to Use
Best used as a dropper fly behind a larger indicator pattern like a foam hopper or as the point fly in a euro nymphing rig. Effective when trout are holding in deeper runs and feeding aggressively. The attractor profile works well when fish are not being selective about food sources.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly productive in riffles, pocket water, and deeper runs where the quick-sinking profile can reach feeding zones. Works best in medium to fast currents where the slim design cuts through water column efficiently.
Rigging Suggestions
Use as a dropper 12-18 inches behind a dry fly or larger indicator pattern. In euro nymphing setups, fish on the point with 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet. The slotted bead allows for easy leader threading. Add weight to tippet if additional sink rate is needed in deeper water.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks extremely fast due to tungsten bead and slim profile. The pale pink body quill provides excellent visibility to both angler and fish in various water clarities. UV resin coating adds durability and subtle flash that attracts attention. The sparse design minimizes water resistance for direct bottom contact.
