Material Recommendation

[Ron1697 0]

Hey all!

 

I'm looking for some recommendations on hook and tungsten slotted bead size to tie a variety of European nymphs (specifically perdigon's). I typically fish smaller streams that are about 15 foot wide and they generally don't have that swift of a current, but there are some spots where the current is pretty good.

 

I don't have the money right now to go and buy a bunch of different sized hooks and beads so what are everyone's best "all around" sizes? I was thinking size 16 at the smallest. These will be my anchor fly on my European nymphing setup.

 

Also, What are everyone's thoughts on 60 degree vs. 90 degree?

 

 

I know this is a pretty broad post, just looking for some tips so I make the right choice for me.

[Dave G. 0]

My most used hook size for nymphs is size 14 or even 12. For ponds I go down to size 20. Both 14 and 16 will use a 3/32 bead. I just use down eyed hooks, usually 3906 or 3906b Mustads. Some of my nymphs I actually tie on 94840 dry fly hooks. But in small streams I usually use a soft hackle or small muddler anyway. Or a certain size 12 caddis wet fly I tie. I don't use many beads, I'm more likely to lead weight the shank, for me that has way outproduced bead heads..

 

Flyshack right now has packs of 100 slotted tungsten beads for $13 fwiw.... http://www.flyshack.com/DisplayItem.aspx?ItemID=112005

[Ron1697 0]

Dave G. when you use a size 14 down eye with a 3/32 bead, does if ride hook side up? I'm thinking this would be a good combination and I could always add lead wire to the shank if I want to make a heavier fly.

[Dave G. 0]

Dave G. when you use a size 14 down eye with a 3/32 bead, does if ride hook side up? I'm thinking this would be a good combination and I could always add lead wire to the shank if I want to make a heavier fly.

The way I tie ( conventional tie) them they ride hook down.

[chugbug27 0]

http://www.flytying.ro/perdigon-nymphs-simplest-way-to-tie-them/

[Ron1697 0]

Any recommendations to get it to ride hook up without a jig style hook? Or is that not possible..

[flytire 0]

Any recommendations to get it to ride hook up without a jig style hook? Or is that not possible..

 

yes its possible

 

use insta jig beads on a non jig style hook

 

 

[Ron1697 0]

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

One more thing, I have been eyeing up the Umpqua U555 in size 14 because they are relatively inexpensive, anyone have experience with these? Would they work well for tying a variety of European style nymphs?

 

Also, would a 2.3mm (3/32") non-slotted tungsten bead pair nicely? Or should I go larger?

[vicente 0]

I use the u555 hooks on a regular basis great hooks especially for the price.

[Ron1697 0]

Sounds good, I have enjoyed using the U202 model in both 16 and 10 sizes. Love the value of the U series

[Ron1697 0]

vicente, would you recommend size 14 in the U555 for European nymphing applications? And if so, which tungsten bead size? Slotted or not?

[Dave G. 0]

Ron if you want the hook point up why not go with offset beads ? You can get the generic type, doesn't have to be a name brand I don't imagine. Basically the same thing flytire showed us above.

 

Most hooks are pretty decent these days, even store brand ones.

[Ron1697 0]

Dave G.

 

Good point, I will consider all of these options. Still wondering which tungsten bead size to use though.

[flytire 0]

bookmark this chart

 

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0803/4843/files/Flymen-Hook-Bead-Compatability-Guide_v2.01.pdf

 

slotted beads ar quite different than the insta jig beads i posted above

 

[vicente 0]

I haven't tied any euro style nymphs on them, closest thing would be peeping caddis, they will ride point up with a cyclops bead, you don't need the slotted jig beads though it would look prettier.