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
Dec 2025
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.
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)
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: BWO nymphs graze biofilm on rocks, periodically releasing into drift when disturbed or beginning emergence ascent. Their dark bodies stand out against lighter substrate.
Where Trout Eat It: Fish target these nymphs tumbling along bottom structure in runs, through pocket water, and near riffle edges where current dislodges them.
How to Fish It: Euro nymph with tight-line contact, keeping the jig hook riding point-up through the drift. Set on any tick or hesitation in the sighter.
Best Water: Fish pocket water behind boulders, seams along current breaks, riffle edges where flow meets calm, and tail-outs with moderate depth.
Strike Type: Detect subtle ticks, sighter pauses, or slight tension changes rather than aggressive grabs.
Fishing Strategy
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.
Seasonal Timing: Most effective during through when mayfly nymphs are active. Particularly productive during Baetis and BWO seasons when dark-bodied mayfly nymphs are abundant.
Pro Tips: 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.
Entomology
BWO nymphs cling to submerged structure while grazing algae, periodically releasing into the drift when preparing to emerge or disturbed by current. Trout target these specific Baetis nymphs because they're available in diverse water types and their consistent hatches create predictable feeding opportunities.
- Order
- Ephemeroptera
- Family
- Baetidae
- Common Name
- Blue-Winged Olive
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- general