Euro NymphsThe Thread Frenchie
An alternative to pheasant tail Frenchies that's more durable and easier to tie. The thread body creates a dense, segmented profile that eliminates the fragile pheasant tail fibers while maintaining effectiveness. Can be tied with varying bead sizes on the same hook for different sink rates.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Overview
Developed by Lance in July 2018 as a more durable alternative to traditional Frenchie patterns. The thread body construction significantly increases durability compared to pheasant tail versions while maintaining the slim profile crucial for euro nymphing. Bead size can be adjusted (2.3mm, 2.8mm, or 3.3mm) on the same hook size to vary sink rates for different water depths. The UV resin coating adds durability and creates a realistic segmented appearance.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua XC400BL-BN or Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, size 16
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 denier, olive
Bead: Hareline slotted tungsten bead, gold, 3/32" (2.3mm)
Tail: Whiting Coq de Leon Euro Nymph tailing pack, dark pardo
Ribbing: Semperfli tying wire, 0.2mm, March brown
Hot Spot: Ice Dub, UV pink
Body Coating: Loon UV Clear Fly Finish, Flow
UV Light: Loon UV Infiniti Light
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round in freestone streams, tailwaters, and spring creeks. Particularly productive during spring and fall Baetis hatches, and throughout summer in high-altitude streams. Works in all temperature conditions from cold winter flows to warm summer runs.
Presentation
Fish with a tight line euro nymphing presentation, allowing the fly to drift naturally along the bottom. Dead drift is essential. Use short line nymphing techniques in pocket water and riffles. The weighted bead creates a natural jigging action as it bounces along the stream bottom. Maintains contact throughout the drift to detect subtle takes.
When to Use
Deadly as a dropper behind dry flies like the Bionic Ant, Chubby Chernobyl, or hopper patterns during summer terrestrial season. Excellent searching pattern when no hatch is evident. Effective during mayfly activity before and during emergences. The UV pink hot spot attracts attention in low-light conditions and off-color water.
Water Type
Excels in moving water including riffles, runs, and pocket water. Particularly effective in freestone streams with moderate to fast currents. Works well in tailwaters where technical presentations are required. The slim profile and quick sink rate make it ideal for fishing tight to structure and getting into feeding lanes quickly.
Rigging Suggestions
Use as point fly in euro nymphing rigs with 9-12 foot leader and 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. Works effectively as a dropper 12-18 inches below a dry fly indicator pattern. In tandem nymphing setups, use as the heavier point fly with a lighter pattern above. Adjust bead size rather than adding split shot to control sink rate while maintaining natural drift.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks quickly with tungsten bead, reaching depths of 2-4 feet rapidly. The slender thread body cuts through current efficiently with minimal water resistance. UV pink hot spot provides excellent visibility to fish without spooking them in clear water. Thread segmentation creates subtle movement and realistic appearance. The coated body maintains its profile and doesn't absorb water, ensuring consistent performance throughout the day.
