Euro NymphsSquatchy B
A buggy jig nymph pattern designed for euro-nymphing techniques, featuring a combination of natural materials that create excellent movement in the water. The pheasant tail body with copper ribbing provides a classic mayfly nymph profile, while the squirrel dubbing thorax and CDC collar add lifelike motion. Effective across multiple water types and conditions.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Developed by Fly Fish Food, this pattern combines traditional pheasant tail materials with the added bugginess of natural squirrel dubbing and CDC. The jig hook design ensures the fly rides hook-point up, reducing snags while maintaining excellent hook-up ratios. The brown tungsten bead provides fast sink rates necessary for euro-nymphing presentations. Coq De Leon tail fibers add natural segmentation and movement.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, size #14
Bead: Hanak Metallic+ Slotted Tungsten, brown, 3.0mm
Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread 12/0, brown
Tail: Coq De Leon fibers, medium pardo
Body: Pheasant tail fibers
Ribbing: UTC Ultra Wire, copper, small
Thorax: Squirrel dubbing, natural
Collar: CDC puff, natural
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round, particularly productive during spring and fall Baetis hatches when mayfly nymphs are most active. Also works well in summer and winter in tailwaters with consistent flows. Excellent searching pattern when no specific hatch is evident.
Presentation
Use tight-line euro-nymphing techniques with minimal weight on the leader. Cast upstream and maintain contact with the fly throughout the drift. The tungsten bead provides sufficient weight for most presentations. Watch the sighter for subtle takes as the fly drifts naturally along the bottom.
When to Use
Best during active feeding periods when trout are targeting nymphs in the water column. Particularly effective in clear water conditions where the natural materials won't spook fish. Works well before, during, and after visible surface activity. The CDC collar adds movement in slower currents.
Water Type
Designed for moving water including riffles, runs, and pocket water in freestone streams and tailwaters. The jig hook design makes it ideal for fishing around structure and rocky bottoms. Particularly effective in water depths of 2-5 feet where euro-nymphing excels.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. Use as the point fly in a two-fly euro rig with a lighter pattern as the dropper. Keep weight off the leader when possible, relying on the tungsten bead for depth. Adjust leader length based on water depth and current speed.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks quickly due to the 3.0mm tungsten bead, reaching productive depths rapidly in 2-4 feet of water. The natural brown and tan coloration blends with the stream bottom while maintaining visibility to fish. The jig hook design and CDC collar create subtle movement even in slow currents. The slim profile cuts through water with minimal resistance.
