Why nymphs dominate trout sales

Trout spend the majority of their time feeding below the surface, which is why nymphs outsell every other category in most fly shops. For a retailer, that means nymphs are not a niche add-on — they are the backbone of a profitable fly wall. The trick is holding the right patterns in the right sizes rather than every pattern in every colour.

Below are ten nymphs worth keeping in stock, with a note on when each one earns its place. All are available from our beaded nymphs and tungsten nymphs ranges by the dozen.

Beadhead basics: getting down fast

Most productive nymphs are beadheads: a tungsten or brass bead adds weight so the fly reaches the feeding zone without extra split shot. Tungsten sinks faster in heavy water; brass is fine for shallow runs and gentler presentations. Stock a mix of both, weighted toward tungsten in smaller patterns where you cannot add more lead.

The 10 patterns to hold

1. Zebra Midge

A slim, flash-ribbed midge imitation that works year-round. Stock it in black, red and olive, sizes 16–22. It is one of the fastest reorders we see from shops.

2. Hare's Ear

The all-round nymph. Buggy, suggestive, and forgiving of poor drifts. Sizes 12–16, natural and dark variants.

3. Pheasant Tail

A general mayfly nymph that fishes well on almost any river. Sizes 14–18; a plain version and a flashback version.

4. Copper John

Flash and weight in one pattern — dependable in fast water. Sizes 12–16, red and green wire.

5. Prince Nymph

High-contrast and effective everywhere. Sizes 12–16.

6. Caddis Larva

Fills the gap between mayfly and midge. Green and cream, sizes 14–16.

7. Scud

Essential on limestone and spring-creek water. Olive and grey, sizes 12–16.

8. Serendipity

A simple, durable attractor that doubles as a midge or caddis pupa. Sizes 14–18.

9. WD-40

A tiny, unassuming pattern that catches educated fish. Sizes 16–20.

10. Egg patterns

Unbeatable during spawning runs. Stock a small range of colours; see our egg patterns.

Size and colour ranges to hold

If you are starting out, cover two sizes and two colours per pattern rather than one size in five colours. Sizes 14 and 16 cover most inland water; add 18–22 for pressured or clear streams. Prioritise natural and dark colours, then add flash for stained water.

Restocking rhythm for each season

• Spring: mayfly nymphs — Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail, Copper John — in peak sizes.
• Summer: smaller midges and caddis larvae as water clears and fish get fussier.
• Autumn: eggs and attractors ahead of spawning runs.
• Winter: hold steady on Zebra Midge and WD-40; the die-hards still fish.

Stock them by the dozen

See the full range in beaded nymphs, tungsten nymphs, nymphs and nymphs pure, or ask us for a suggested starter list sized to your water and customers. We supply per dozen, with low minimums so you can test before you commit.