Euro NymphsRibby Pellet
The Ribby Pellet is a thread-only perdigon variation that achieves an effective buggy appearance through simple ribbing techniques. Designed by Cheech at Fly Fish Food, this pattern uses twisted thread to create segmentation that imitates various aquatic insects while maintaining the fast-sinking profile that makes perdigons so effective. Quick to tie and highly productive across diverse water conditions.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Overview
The name Ribby Pellet comes from the Spanish word "perdigon" meaning pellet, highlighting this pattern's origins in European competition fishing. The ribbed thread body creates texture and segmentation without additional materials, making it economical and fast to tie. Color variations in olive, tan, pink, and black allow anglers to match different aquatic insects. The UV resin coating provides durability while maintaining the slim profile essential for quick sink rates.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, size #14 (or Fulling Mill 35045 Jig Hook, size #14, or Firehole Sticks 516 Jig Hook, size #14)
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 140 Denier, olive
Bead: Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten Beads, gold, 3.5mm (or Firehole Stones Plated Slotted Tungsten Beads, gold, 3.5mm)
Tail: Whiting Coq De Leon Tailing Packs, Dark Pardo
Hot Spot: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, fluorescent orange
Body Coating: Solarez UV Cure Resin, Bone Dry 0.5 Oz
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as a versatile searching pattern. Particularly productive during spring and fall mayfly hatches, and throughout summer in high-altitude streams with consistent insect activity.
Presentation
Fish on a tight line euro rig for maximum sensitivity and depth control. The heavy tungsten bead and slender profile allow the fly to reach feeding zones quickly. Dead drift through runs, riffles, and pocket water with direct line contact to detect subtle strikes.
When to Use
Deploy when you need a fast-sinking general attractor pattern. Excellent for prospecting unfamiliar water or when trout are feeding on subsurface nymphs. The ribbed body provides enough texture to trigger strikes without being overly specific, making it ideal when multiple insect species are present.
Water Type
Excels in moving water of all types, from freestone streams to tailwaters. The weighted design handles faster currents and deeper runs effectively. Works well in riffles where quick depth penetration is essential.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet. Use as the point fly in euro nymphing setups or as a dropper below a heavier anchor fly. The fluorescent orange hot spot provides a visual strike indicator when fishing shallow, clear water.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks rapidly due to tungsten bead and minimal material bulk. The ribbed thread body creates subtle flash and movement underwater. UV resin coating adds durability without compromising sink rate. The coq de leon tail fibers provide lifelike movement in current.
