NymphVeiled Egg
The Veiled Egg imitates a salmon egg coated in fungus, a common food source in rivers with active spawning runs. Its translucent Glo-bug yarn veil over a pink chenille core creates the distinctive appearance of a deteriorating egg. When wet, the veil becomes nearly transparent, revealing the inner body for a remarkably realistic presentation.
Fall, Winter
Beginner
Trout, Steelhead
Overview
The Veiled Egg originated from Great Lakes steelhead fishing, where anglers noticed trout and steelhead preferring fungus-coated eggs over fresh ones during late-season spawning. The key to this pattern is the translucent veil effect—when wet, the outer Glo-bug yarn becomes nearly see-through, revealing the pink body beneath. Color variations include substituting the veil color (white, pale yellow, or cream) and the body color (peach, orange, or chartreuse) to match local egg conditions.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Dai-Riki #135 or similar scud/egg hook, size #8–#12
Thread: White 6/0 Flymaster
Veil: Cream or yellow Glo-bug yarn, half thickness
Body: Shell pink chenille
Fishing Tips
Season
Most productive during fall and winter when salmon spawning activity fills rivers with drifting eggs. Particularly effective in late fall when older eggs have begun to deteriorate and develop the characteristic fungal coating.
Presentation
Dead drift along the bottom through spawning gravels and downstream holding water. Present the fly at the same depth and speed as a naturally drifting egg. Keep the drift drag-free for the most convincing presentation. Short, controlled drifts through likely holding water are more productive than long casts.
When to Use
Best when salmon are actively spawning or have recently finished, leaving deteriorating eggs in the drift. Effective when trout and steelhead are stationed downstream of spawning redds, feeding opportunistically on drifting eggs. Works in both clear and moderately stained water.
Water Type
Tailouts below spawning redds, runs downstream of active spawning areas, and any holding water where egg-feeding fish congregate. Effective in moderate-depth water of 2–4 feet with steady current. Works in both freestone rivers and Great Lakes tributaries.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish under a strike indicator on a 7–9 foot leader with 4X–5X fluorocarbon tippet. Set the indicator depth to keep the fly bouncing along the bottom. Add split shot 12–18 inches above the fly to maintain bottom contact. Can also be fished as a dropper below a larger egg pattern or stonefly nymph.
Visibility & Floatation
The unweighted construction gives a natural, slow sink rate similar to a real drifting egg. The veil creates a subtle, muted appearance that doesn't spook wary fish. When wet, the translucent outer layer produces a remarkably realistic fungal egg appearance that outperforms brighter egg patterns in pressured water.
