NymphPoison Tung

The Poison Tung is an attractive, high-sinking rate fly designed to grab the attention of trout. Its bright coloration and flashy appearance make it an excellent choice in stained or murky waters.

Season
Year Round
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Poison Tung - Image source: Orvis
Image source: Orvis

Overview

A tungsten-headed midge or mayfly nymph with a slim profile and hot spot behind the bead. The body is usually thread or dubbing ribbed with wire, with a small tail and often a flashback wingcase. Designed to get down fast.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Year Round
Imitates: Mayflies

Materials

Hook: TMC 2487 or 2488, size #16–#20
Bead: 2mm Silver Tungsten Bead
Thread: Uni-thread, Gray
Rib: Blue Lagartun or UTC Wire, Small
Body: Tying Thread
Head: Ice Dub, UV Gray or Lavender

Fishing Tips

Season

Effective year-round, but particularly useful in stained water conditions during runoff season.

Presentation

Dead drift near the bottom, often as part of a nymphing rig.

When to Use

When water visibility is low and you need a fly that stands out.

Water Type

Best in moving water like rivers and streams.

Rigging Suggestions

Use in a tandem nymph rig with a more natural pattern, or as an attractor in a multiple-fly setup.

Visibility & Floatation

This fly sinks quickly due to its tungsten bead. Its bright color and shiny thorax make it highly visible in various water conditions.

Additional Videos