Euro NymphsPMD Thread Frenchie
The PMD Thread Frenchie is a specialized variant of Lance Egan's Frenchie designed specifically for Pale Morning Dun hatches. The wood duck thread body creates an ultra-slim, realistic profile that perfectly imitates PMD nymphs. The UV shrimp pink hot spot collar adds a subtle attractor while maintaining the pattern's natural appearance.
Spring, Summer
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Developed by Lance Egan as a PMD-specific variation of his popular Frenchie pattern. The thread body technique creates an incredibly slim profile that closely matches the natural segmentation of mayfly nymphs without adding bulk. This pattern gained popularity in euro nymphing competitions for its quick sink rate and effectiveness during PMD hatches. The wood duck thread color perfectly mimics the pale olive-tan coloration of PMD nymphs, making it especially deadly during June and July hatches.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, #16
Bead: Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten Beads, 3.0mm, Copper
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, Wood Duck
Tail: Whiting Coq De Leon Euro Nymph Tailing Pack, Dark Pardo
Ribbing: Semperfli Tying Wire 0.2, March Brown
Thorax: Ice Dub UV Shrimp Pink
Coating: Loon UV Clear Fly Finish Flow
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during Pale Morning Dun hatches in late spring and summer, typically June through August. Particularly productive during morning and evening emergence periods when PMD activity is heaviest. Can be effective into early fall in higher elevation streams where PMD hatches occur later.
Presentation
Use tight line nymphing or euro nymphing techniques with a dead drift presentation. Keep a tight connection to detect subtle takes. The slim profile cuts through current efficiently, allowing for excellent contact with the fly. Lead the fly slightly ahead of rising fish during active emergence periods.
When to Use
Best during PMD hatches when trout are feeding on nymphs before emergence. Highly effective in clear water conditions where the realistic profile shines. Use during overcast days or when fish are holding deep between emergence periods. Excellent as a searching pattern in PMD water even when no visible hatch is occurring.
Water Type
Designed for moving water including riffles, runs, and tailouts where PMD nymphs are found. Particularly effective in spring creeks and tailwaters with consistent PMD populations. Works well in water 2-6 feet deep where the copper bead can reach the feeding zone quickly. Target seams, pocket water, and soft bottom areas where nymphs drift naturally.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 10-15 foot leader with 5X or 6X fluorocarbon tippet for stealthy presentation in clear water. Use as point fly in a euro nymphing rig with a lighter fly as dropper. The 3.0mm tungsten bead typically provides adequate weight without additional split shot in moderate currents. In deeper or faster water, add a micro shot 18-24 inches above the fly.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks quickly with the tungsten bead, reaching depths of 3-5 feet rapidly. The slim thread body creates minimal water resistance for fast sink rate and natural drift. The wood duck coloration provides excellent visibility to fish while remaining subtle and natural. The UV shrimp pink collar is visible as a small hot spot that attracts attention without alarming selective trout feeding on PMDs.
