I have to admit when I came across this week’s Friday Night Fly Tying Video by Chris Michels of Creek Addict I was a little embarrassed. I often use jigs for bass and panfish but I don’t normally think of using Tungsten jigs for trout, at least not on a fly rod. Used extensively in Europe, Tungsten nymph jigs have largely been overlooked by fly fisherman here in the states, myself included, and I think we are missing out.
Perfect for Czech Nymphing
Tungsten jigs are great for deep nymphing and lend themselves well to some of the euro nymphing techniques, such as Czech style nymphing. The benefit of the tungsten bead is to be able to get your fly down deep in the feeding zone quickly and the jig style hook makes the fly ride with the hook point up, which helps reduces snags.
Tungsten Jig Material List
Hook: Skalka J Size 12 – 16
Bead: 2.4 mm Gold Slotted Tungsten
Thread: Danville 6/0 Olive
Under Body: Medium Flat Lead Wire
Tails: Wood Duck
Rib: Small Copper Wire
Rear Body: Davy Wotton Masterclass SLF Red Midge Pupae Dubbing
Middle Body: Hareline Dark Hare’s Ear Dubbing
Collar: Chocolate Brown Hare’s Ear Dubbing
If you haven’t tried a Tungsten nymph jig, give them a try – I know I will be. Thanks for the great fly tying video Chris.
Enjoy!