NymphStew's Glassy Spider
The Stew's Glassy Spider is a nymph pattern designed by Belarmino Martinez. This effective pattern combines traditional materials with proven techniques for consistent results in a variety of water conditions.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Beginner
Trout
Feb 2026
Overview
Belarmino Martinez created this nymph with a distinctive translucent body that mimics the segmentation and natural shine of mayfly nymphs. The sparse hackle allows the pattern to sink naturally while maintaining lifelike movement in the current. The glassy appearance comes from using synthetic materials that create subtle light refraction underwater, making it particularly effective in clear water conditions.
Materials
Hook: Hayabusa model 35533 nymph wet , size 8 ,10
Thread: Danville's flat waxed nylon size 3/0
Body: foam over chenille
Legs: medium rubber
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Trout recognize the active swimming motion of nymphs relocating between holds as different from passive drift. Anglers fish glassy-bodied patterns with subtle lifts because this triggers strikes from fish targeting voluntary drift behavior.
Where Trout Eat It: Fish intercept swimming nymphs at mid-depth in moderate riffles, runs, pool heads, current seams, and depth transitions.
How to Fish It: Fish with tight-line nymphing or under indicator, maintaining direct contact with the fly. Short subtle lifts trigger strikes from opportunistic feeders during active drift.
Best Water: Target moderate riffles, runs, pool heads, current seams, and depth transitions where mayfly nymphs naturally drift and relocate before emergence.
Strike Type: Watch for indicator dips, subtle line tightening, or drift hesitation. Strikes often feel like brief resistance or weight.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Use a 10-12 foot leader with 5X or 6X tippet. Fish under an indicator 1.5 times the water depth, or use a Euro-nymphing setup for direct contact.
Seasonal Timing: Produces year-round but peaks during mayfly emergences, particularly March through May and September through October when nymphs are most active.
Pro Tips: The glassy body creates subtle flash that mimics natural nymph coloration. Fish multiple depths until you find where trout are feeding.
Entomology
Mayfly nymphs exhibit behavioral drift patterns where they intentionally release from the bottom and swim actively through the water column to relocate. Fish recognize this voluntary drift behavior as a feeding opportunity distinct from passively dislodged nymphs, often targeting the swimming nymphs with aggressive strikes.
- Order
- Ephemeroptera
- Common Name
- Mayfly
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- nymph