The French Nymph
The French Nymph has proven its effectiveness in waters all over the world. The fly is traditionally used when European nymphing, but it can be effective when used with any method. Get this fly in front of a fish it will be tough for them to resist the take!
The French Nymph has been a deadly pattern for trout and grayling the world over. Use this fly in all sizes on either the point or dropper of a two fly set-up when fishing the French Leader. The red butt is a real trigger point, especially in murky water.
| Size | Material | Color |
|---|---|---|
| 10-20 | Hemp, silk, fur | Red, brown, olive |
| 20-30 | Wool, synthetic fibers | Black, gray, red |
FAQ
What types of fish does the French Nymph work best on?
The French Nymph is most effective on trout and grayling.
Can the French Nymph be used in a two-fly setup?
Yes, it can be used on either the point or dropper of a two-fly set-up when fishing the French Leader.
Is the red butt important for fishing in murky water?
Yes, the red butt acts as a real trigger point, especially in murky water.

Austin Buckland –
I’ve used the French Nymph in several streams and it consistently gets strikes. The red butt stands out in dark water and the fly mimics the natural nymphs well. Works great on both trout and grayling.
Paul Wallace –
Fished it in a murky river and the red color helped catch fish that were otherwise not biting. It’s a reliable pattern for nymphing, especially when using it as a dropper.
Jonathan May –
This fly performs well in both clear and cloudy waters. The size 18 worked perfectly on a cold spring stream. I noticed a significant increase in takes after switching to this pattern.