Euro NymphsOlive Spanish Bullet Perdigon
The Olive Spanish Bullet Perdigon is one of the most versatile euro nymphs that works equally well as a dedicated tight-line pattern or as a dropper beneath a hopper. This olive version of the Spanish Bullet from Fulling Mill bridges the gap between euro nymphing and traditional dry-dropper fishing. Created by Cheech at Fly Fish Food, this pattern proves that if you're fishing it under a hopper, you're euro nymphing too.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Overview
The Spanish Bullet Perdigon excels because of its simplicity and versatility. The pale olive thread body creates a slim, realistic profile while the UV resin coating provides the signature perdigon durability and sink rate. Keep multiple sizes and bead weights in your box—the ability to quickly adjust to different water depths makes this pattern invaluable. The copper bead and olive body combination imitates a wide range of subsurface food sources.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, size #14 (or Fulling Mill 5045 Jig Force Barbless)
Thread/Body: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread 12/0, pale olive (or chartreuse)
Bead: Fulling Mill Slotted Tungsten, copper, 3.2mm (or Firehole Stones 3.5mm copper)
Tail: Spanish Coq De Leon, pardo (or Hareline Coq De Leon medium speckled pardo)
Flash: Veevus Pearl Tinsel, medium (or Mirage Tinsel opal medium)
Finish: Solarez UV Cure Resin, thin hard
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as a searching pattern. Particularly productive during mayfly and caddis activity when olive-colored nymphs are prevalent in the drift.
Presentation
Fish on a tight line euro rig for maximum sensitivity, or drop 12-18 inches below a hopper or large dry fly. The slim profile and heavy bead cut through current quickly for immediate bottom contact.
When to Use
Deploy as your go-to olive nymph in any situation. Works exceptionally well when trout are keyed on small mayfly nymphs or caddis larvae. The subtle flash and natural olive coloration appeal to both aggressive and selective fish.
Water Type
Excels in all types of moving water including riffles, runs, and pocket water. The quick sink rate makes it ideal for deeper runs while the slim profile works well in shallow riffles.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet. Keep multiple bead sizes (2.4mm to 3.8mm) available to match water depth and current speed. Use as point fly in euro rigs or as primary dropper below dry flies.
Visibility & Floatation
The tungsten bead provides rapid sink while the UV resin shell adds durability and a subtle sheen. The flash strip along the body catches light without overwhelming. Olive coloration blends naturally in most waters.
