Euro NymphsPerdi-BOMB Soft Hackle Nymph
A hybrid pattern combining the heavy, quick-sinking properties of a perdigon with the lifelike movement of a traditional soft hackle. The flash back body and Ice Dub thorax create an attractor profile, while the soft hackle adds subtle motion during the drift. Designed by Curtis for euro nymphing presentations with excellent depth and versatility.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Developed by Curtis in August 2021 as a competition-style euro nymph that combines the best features of perdigon and soft hackle patterns. The matte black tungsten bead and lead wire ensure rapid descent to the feeding zone, while the soft hackle creates movement that triggers strikes. The fluorescent orange tail provides a subtle hot spot attractor. Curtis's design bridges traditional soft hackle techniques with modern perdigon efficiency for technical presentations.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua XC400BL-BN, #12 (or Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, Fulling Mill 5045 Jig Force Barbless Hook)
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 denier, red (or 8/0 UNI-Thread Waxed Midge, red)
Bead: Firehole Stones matte slotted tungsten bead, black, 4.0mm (5/32") (Super Bomb: 4.5mm)
Weight: Lead wire, 0.02 diameter
Tail: Glo-Brite floss, fluorescent orange #7
Body: Perdigonmania flash back strips, black peacock (or Holographic Flashabou black, Perdigones pearl body black)
Thorax: Ice Dub, peacock
Hackle: Whiting Brahma wing soft hackle (or Hebert Miner hen saddle, medium gray dun)
Body Resin: Solarez Bone Dry PLUS, 0.5 fl oz
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round in freestone streams and tailwaters. Most productive during spring mayfly hatches (March-May) and fall Baetis emergences (September-November). The soft hackle makes it particularly effective during active emerger periods when trout are keyed on ascending insects.
Presentation
Fish with tight-line euro nymphing techniques using a high-stick presentation. Cast upstream and maintain contact throughout the drift. The key feature of this pattern is the jigging presentation—use subtle up-and-down rod movements during or after the drift to animate the soft hackle, imitating an emerging mayfly. The heavy weight allows for excellent contact and sensitivity.
When to Use
Best during mayfly hatches when trout are feeding on nymphs and emergers in the water column. Highly effective in clear water where the flash and movement attract attention. Works well before visible surface activity begins and during lulls in the hatch. The jigging motion is particularly deadly when fish are holding in feeding lanes.
Water Type
Designed for moving water—excels in riffles, runs, and pocket water of freestone streams. The heavy weight makes it ideal for deep runs and fast current where lighter patterns won't reach the bottom. Also productive in tailwaters with consistent flows and complex currents where quick depth changes are needed.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 10-14 foot euro nymphing leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. Use as the point fly in a two-fly euro rig, paired with a lighter pattern 12-18 inches above. The slotted tungsten bead accommodates jig hook design for reduced snags. No indicator needed—maintain tight line contact and watch the sighter for subtle takes during the jigging motion.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks extremely fast with combined tungsten bead and lead wire underbody, reaching depths of 4-6 feet in seconds. The matte black bead reduces flash that might spook wary fish, while the flash back body provides just enough visibility. The slim perdigon profile cuts through current with minimal resistance. Soft hackle fibers pulse and breathe with water movement and jigging, creating lifelike emerger action that triggers aggressive strikes.
