Euro NymphsTwo Bit Jig
The Two Bit Jig is a jig-hook adaptation of the popular Two Bit Hooker pattern, designed for euro nymphing presentations. This pattern features a dual bead system with a brown slotted tungsten bead and a smaller red collar bead that creates a distinctive hot spot, an India hen back tail and legs, a slim black thread body, and a mahogany superfine dubbing thorax. The jig hook configuration ensures the fly rides point-up, reducing snags while maintaining an attractive presentation.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents a euro nymphing adaptation of the classic Two Bit Hooker. The dual bead system is a signature element - the larger brown tungsten bead provides weight and the head profile, while the smaller red bead creates a collar hot spot that serves as an attractor element. The jig hook (Tiemco 403BLJ) positions the fly to ride point-up, which significantly reduces snagging on the bottom while keeping the fly in the strike zone longer. The India hen back provides soft, mottled fibers for both tail and legs that suggest the appendages of natural mayfly nymphs. The slim black thread body creates a segmented appearance and quick sink rate. The mahogany superfine dubbing thorax adds bulk where mayfly nymphs naturally have it while providing a contrasting color zone. UV resin coating adds durability and a subtle sheen.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 403BLJ, #14
Bead: Tungsten Slotted Bead (3.3mm), brown
Bead 2: Bead (7/64), red
Thread: Veevus 14/0, red and black
Tail: India Hen Back
Body: Veevus 14/0, black (thread body)
Thorax: Superfine Dubbing, mahogany
Legs: India Hen Back
Coating: Solarez UV Resin (medium)
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round but particularly productive during mayfly seasons. The dark coloration works well for imitating BWO nymphs and other dark mayfly species.
Presentation
Fish tight-line with a euro nymphing setup, keeping direct contact with the fly for immediate strike detection. The jig hook design allows for close-to-bottom drifts without excessive hang-ups.
When to Use
Select this pattern when euro nymphing in waters with mayfly populations. The jig hook design makes it particularly valuable in rocky, snaggy water where traditional patterns would hang up frequently.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly riffles, runs, and pocket water where euro nymphing excels. The weighted design gets the fly to the bottom quickly in faster currents.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a euro nymphing leader with 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet. Works well as a point fly in a two-fly rig, with a lighter pattern as a dropper. The weight makes it effective for anchoring a multi-fly system.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a sinking pattern designed to probe the bottom of the water column. The red bead hot spot provides a trigger point that can provoke strikes even from neutral fish.
