Euro NymphsSmitherman's Immortal May
Smitherman's Immortal May is a sleek, durable mayfly nymph pattern designed to withstand the rigors of Euro nymphing while maintaining an irresistible profile. This pattern features a black tungsten bead for weight, Senyo's Shaggy Dub for both tail and legs that provide lifelike movement, a body of black holographic tinsel ribbed with red wire, a mirage tinsel wing case that adds flash and dimension, a thorax of CDC dubbing for texture, and a UV resin coating that creates durability and a realistic segmented appearance.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents a modern approach to mayfly nymph imitation that emphasizes durability without sacrificing fish-catching appeal. The "Immortal" name refers to the pattern's ability to withstand repeated strikes and rocky bottoms thanks to the UV resin coating over the body. The Tiemco 226BL hook provides a wide gape and jig-style bend that helps the fly ride point-up, reducing snags. The black holographic tinsel body creates subtle flash that mimics the air-trapping properties of emerging mayflies, while the red wire rib adds a subtle color break reminiscent of natural segmentation. Senyo's Shaggy Dub creates wispy, active fibers for both tail and legs that pulse with current. The mirage tinsel wing case provides the iridescent quality seen in developing wing pads of mature nymphs.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 226BL, #16-18
Bead: Tungsten Bead (3/32), black
Thread: Veevus 14/0, black
Tail: Senyo's Shaggy Dub, black
Rib: Wire (small), red
Body: Holographic Tinsel (medium), black
Wing Case: Mirage Tinsel (large)
Thorax: CDC Dubbing, black
Legs: Senyo's Shaggy Dub, black
Coating: Solarez UV Resin (medium)
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring through fall when mayfly nymphs are active. Particularly productive during Baetis and BWO seasons when dark-bodied mayfly nymphs are abundant.
Presentation
Fish with a tight-line Euro nymphing technique, maintaining contact to detect subtle takes. The tungsten bead gets the fly down quickly while the jig hook design keeps it riding properly through the drift.
When to Use
Select this pattern when targeting trout feeding on mayfly nymphs in moving water. The dark coloration makes it effective in a variety of conditions, particularly useful during cloudy days or in slightly stained water.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly freestone streams and tailwaters where mayfly populations are abundant. Works well in riffles, runs, and pocket water where trout hold waiting for drifting nymphs.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a Euro nymphing leader with 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet. Can be fished as a point fly with a lighter nymph trailing, or as a dropper behind a heavier anchor fly. The UV resin coating adds weight that helps maintain depth.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a sinking pattern designed for subsurface fishing. The black coloration with flash elements provides visibility to fish while the resin coating creates a realistic, segmented profile.
