NymphKILLER Balanced Damsel
The KILLER Balanced Damsel from Fly Fish Food is one of their favorite patterns for imitating damselfly nymphs in stillwater. This updated version has been refined for improved effectiveness while maintaining the balanced design that presents the fly horizontally in the water column, mimicking how natural damsel nymphs swim.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Advanced
Trout
Overview
This Fly Fish Food pattern has accounted for a good number of fish on local stillwaters. The balanced design allows the fly to hang horizontally when fished under an indicator, presenting a natural damsel nymph profile. These flies can also be stripped on sinking lines, making them versatile for various stillwater presentations.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Fulling Mill 5045 Jig Force Barbless or Hanak H 400 BL, #10-14
Thread: UTC 140 Denier, burnt orange
Pin: Sewing pin
Bead: Tungsten bead, 1/8" (3.2mm)
Tail: Strung marabou, fluorescent damsel nymph olive (UV)
Underbody: Mirage Tinsel, opal, large
Body: Ice Dub (golden brown) and Arizona Simi Seal (Canadian brown and Canadian olive)
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring, summer, and fall when damselfly nymphs are active. Peak effectiveness coincides with damsel emergence when trout key in heavily on these nymphs.
Presentation
Fish under an indicator at varying depths or strip slowly on sinking lines. The balanced design creates a natural swimming motion whether drifted under an indicator or actively retrieved.
When to Use
Select this pattern during damsel hatches or when you observe damsel nymphs swimming in the shallows. Also effective as a searching pattern during warmer months when damsel nymphs are abundant.
Water Type
Designed specifically for stillwater fishing in lakes and ponds with healthy damselfly populations. Focus on weedy areas and shallow shoals where damsel nymphs congregate.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 12-15 foot leader with 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet under an adjustable indicator. During hatches, concentrate on shallow water where nymphs migrate toward shore to emerge.
Visibility & Floatation
The UV-enhanced olive marabou provides excellent visibility while the Ice Dub and Simi Seal create a translucent body that matches natural damsel nymphs. The tungsten bead ensures proper sink rates.
