If you only use the five nymphs above, you would be prepared to nymph almost every stream type, condition, and season. The four most common aquatic insects that trout feed upon are mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges. The recommend nymphs above imitate the four most common aquatic insects and sizes. The nymph patterns also imitate multiple insect species and insect life stages at once.

Tips to pinpoint the best nymphing pattern while out on the river:

• Size is the most important factor to consider when selecting a fly pattern. Nymph profile and shape are the second most important factors to consider, while color is last.

• Continually rotate nymph patterns and sizes throughout the day until you pinpoint the exact pattern and size the fish prefer. The food source that trout are feeding on can change quickly, so you should change flies about every hour that you do not get a strike. Even if a particular nymph worked well earlier in the day, if it hasn’t recently caught a fish, switch it!

• Insects that hatch in low water conditions are normally smaller, so fish smaller nymphs in low water.

• If trout were hitting your nymph pattern in fast water but are now rejecting it in slow water, your pattern might be slightly off. Try fishing the same nymph pattern, but in one size smaller

More information on other notable nymph patterns can be found in my guide book SIMPLE NYMPHING FOR TROUT IN RIVERS & STREAMS.

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