NymphJumbo Jon

A heavy, oversized stonefly nymph pattern designed to sink fast and hold its own in turbulent water. The Jumbo Jon uses rubber legs, flashback, and a two-tone body to grab attention and provoke aggressive strikes from trout and steelhead.

Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout, Steelhead
Jumbo Jon - Image source: FlyFishFood
Image source: FlyFishFood

Overview

The Jumbo John is a heavy stonefly nymph pattern built for fast water. It features a durable body made from variegated chenille or Ultra Chenille, ribbed with wire, and accented with rubber legs for movement. A tungsten bead and lead underbody give it weight to reach deep pools quickly. This pattern is great for high-sticking or Euro nymphing when you need to get down fast and stay there.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout, Steelhead
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Fall
Imitates: Stoneflies

Materials

Hook: TMC 2499SP-BL, sizes 4/0-8/0
Bead: Gritty Tungsten Beads - Orange Grit - 3/16\ (4.6mm)
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier - Rusty Brown
Underbody: Lead Free Round Wire - .015
Legs: Silicone Flutter Legs - Brown
Body 1: UTC Ultra Wire - Amber - Medium
Body 2: UTC Ultra Wire - Copper - Brassie
Thorax: Arizona Mega Synthetic Dubbing - Peacock
Wing Case: Thin Skin - Black
Wing Case Stripe: Veevus Holographic Tinsel - Brown - Large
Case Coating: Loon UV Clear Fly Finish - Thick (1/2 oz)
Case Coating: Loon UV Clear Fly Finish - Flow"

Fishing Tips

Season

Fall, Spring

Presentation

Retrieving with jerks

When to Use

When fish are preying on smaller fish

Water Type

Stillwater, Moving Water

Rigging Suggestions

Use with a wire leader to prevent bite-offs

Visibility & Floatation

Floats just below the surface, highly visible