NymphTim's Water Boatman
Tim's Water Boatman is a realistic imitation of the aquatic insects that trout feed on heavily in stillwaters. This pattern features a gunmetal glass bead for weight and realistic head, a mottled bustard thinskin shellback that creates the distinctive domed profile, pearl lateral scale flash, a body of black peacock ice dub, and black superfloss legs that suggest the oar-like appendages water boatmen use for swimming. UV resin coating completes the fly with durability and a realistic sheen.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents a highly effective stillwater pattern that imitates water boatmen - aquatic insects that are abundant in lakes and ponds. Water boatmen swim to the surface to collect air bubbles, making them vulnerable to trout throughout the water column. The mottled bustard thinskin creates the distinctive mottled appearance of natural water boatmen backs while the pearl lateral scale underneath adds the silvery flash of trapped air bubbles. The gunmetal glass bead provides just enough weight to sink the fly while adding a realistic head shape. Black superfloss creates the extended rear legs that water boatmen use for propulsion. The ice dub body provides both color and subtle flash. UV resin coating over the shellback creates durability and the glossy, wet appearance of natural insects.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 3769, #14-16
Bead: Glass Bead (medium), gunmetal
Weight: Lead Wire, .010
Thread: UNI 8/0, black
Shellback: Thinskin, mottled bustard
Flash: Lateral Scale, pearl
Body: Ice Dub, black peacock
Legs: Superfloss, black
Coating: Solarez UV Resin
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round in stillwaters, with peak activity during warmer months when water boatmen are most active. Can be particularly productive in spring and fall.
Presentation
Fish with an erratic, darting retrieve that mimics the swimming motion of natural water boatmen. Short strips followed by pauses work well. Water boatmen swim upward to grab air bubbles, so fishing the fly toward the surface can be effective.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fishing stillwaters where water boatmen are present. Particularly effective in weedy lakes, ponds, and slow backwaters where these insects congregate. Look for fish feeding mid-column.
Water Type
Designed specifically for stillwater applications - lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow backwaters. Most effective in water with aquatic vegetation where water boatmen populations thrive.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 12-foot leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet. Use a floating line and count down to reach different depths. Can also be fished under an indicator for a more static presentation.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a sinking pattern designed to probe the water column. The dark coloration provides visibility to fish while the pearl flash suggests the air bubble water boatmen carry with them.
