SUPERFLYS #3
By Montana Grant

Posted: January 23, 2021

Jig flies are the best! European nymph fishermen use them exclusively. The weighted head and hook eye keep the fly hook of the bottom and ready to strike. They make perfect nymphs.

Prince Nymphs present a variety of insects. They are an excellent attractor. They are great on a regular nymph hook but Super on a jig hook.

Start at small size 12 sizes and go up to size 8. I have used jig flies with a fly rod, spin rod, and for ice fishing. The classic Prince tie is simply awesome. Peacock herl should be on any fly. Heck, herl on a hook will catch fish. The white biots, for the tail, are durable and catch the fish’s attention. Shiny tinsel, or wire, adds strength to the fly and weight.

The weighted head on a jig fly allows the tail to rise. Twitching this fly on the bottom can be deadly. Since the jig head is weighted, you do not need to weight the rest of the fly.

As with all flies, presentation is key! Natural movement, drift, depth, and drift are vital. Fish hit jig flies lightly so using a strike indicator is a good choice. Skilled nymph fishermen use jig flies with deadly skill. These flies also are harder to snag and easier to unsnag. Usually, a quick jig motion will unsnag the fly.

Try using these nymphs as a dropper or as a pair. The weighted fly goes on the terminal end of the leader. As a dropper, I would use the smaller, and lighter sizes, off a large hopper, salmon fly, or something big. The big floater becomes your strike indicator. The hook up presentation allows for more hook ups. If using with another nymph, maybe add a Hares Ear or…

Prince nymphs have worked in every salt and freshwater area that I have fished. They mimic nothing specific but look like everything. Royal Coachman dry flies are similar in this respect. If you do not have a Prince Nymph in your fly box, it is like wearing only one hip boot.

Git Jiggy Wit It!

Montana Grant

For more Montana Grant, find him jigging at www.montanagrantfishing.com.

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