Fishing Flies
Czech Nymphing – Fly Fishing Flies Selection
Czech Nymph Fly Selection
There is one essential thing that the Fly Fisherman will need when czech nymphing, that is heavy flies! Usually using a team of 3 flies on droppers with the point fly being the heaviest fly.
Cased Caddis – The Prey
Caddis Flies are widespread across Europe wherever water is available, either static or running. However, the adult is a strong flyer and can move some distance from ponds, streams and rivers, especially as it is attracted to light. However it is the larvae form that is a key part of the diet for fish such as trout. The larvae which make a “case” in which to live using small stones, sand, pieces of leaves and all glued together with a silk lining inside. The silk is spun with a secretion from labial glands (around the mouth) like moth larvae. When full-grown the larva pupates in the case which stops being mobile and may be glued down to a rock.
The cased forms feed on vegetation whilst the caseless forms tend to be either carnivorous or detritivores. The predatory ones are those free living. The web-spinning, caseless larvae may create a silk tube in which to live whilst those in moving water spin the web between stones. This web may trap small invertebrates drifting with the current. This invertebrate drift, as it is known, is an abundant source of food as the current constantly dislodges animals living on the bottom of streams and rivers. Many of these caseless caddis larvae are associated with particular speeds of flow. However, much of what they catch will just be drifting detritus and other organic particulate matter on which the larva will feed (hence detritivore). Some particulate matter will be drifting plankton. Those larvae in especially fast flowing water, e.g. Hydropsyche, will have toughened upper parts to the thoracic segments (thickened external skeleton is refered to as being sclerotised). The larvae have their abdomens safely in the silk tube but the front section of the body protruding into the current. This sclerotisation may be an adaptation to protect them from small stones and other material hitting them.
It is this caddis that is one of our primary fishing imitations when czech nymphing. Below are different imitations that can be used in descending weight order, with the heavyweights of the czech nymphing world described first.
Czech Bottle Fly – Super Heavyweight Flies
Czech bottle nymphs are the “bruisers” of the fly fishing world. Designed to hold botom in the fastest of waters a czech bottle nymph is a uniquely designed Fishing Fly. The Bottle Fly is a complete fly, designed in the shape of a bottle and is available in 2.2gm, 3.4gm, 4.4gm and even 5.5gm weights. The fly is manufactured from pre-made moulds which are tied very simply, the bottle is rolled in glue and sand is rolled onto the fly, a hackle is then simply tied to the front. The finished fly is identical to a caddis in its nest described above. The beauty of this fly being that it will hold bottom or take a team of flies to the bottom of the fastest of rivers. We use this for sea trout frequently as it can be used to hold a snake fly low in the fastest of waters!
Traditional Czech Nymphs – Heavy Flies
These are the more “traditional” czech nymphs used around the world. These are still a heavy fly, often tungsten weighted to keep the fly low in the water. Czech nymphs are available in a range of colours, from pea green to cream and red, from hares ear and amber to sparkle and orange. They key with these colours is actually that the czech nymphing technique is forcing the trout to make a rapid decision, fast water with stimulating colours is often deadly.
A technique I frequently use is to use a heavy fly, often a bottle fly on the point with a natural colours czech nymph on one dropper and a nymphs with colours on the second dropper. Using this technique you can see what the trout are eating before focussing on specific colours.
Goldhead / Beadhead Flies
These are the “lightweight flies” used in czech nymphing. The Goldhead or Beadhead fly has a small bead which gives it weight, ideal in slower rivers when czech nymphing and frequently used as an alternative dropper.
Standard Nymphs
Do not forget to truly work a team of droppers, there is nothing to stop the fly fisherman using a standard caddis, nymph, stonefly or other fly on a dropper when czech nymhing, the key is that it needs to be kept low and close to the river bottom.
About the Author
Andy is CEO of The Essential Fly, a quality manufacturer or Fly Fishing Flies, fly fishing tackle and gear and Fly Tying materials.
Andy is a passionate fisherman and always looking at new materials and flies and their effects on the quarry fish.
Scott Linden’s Fly Fishing Tips: Go to Flies
|
|
fly fishing tying hair flies fish jig tie BURGANDY $2.79 |
|
|
Ausable Wulff Sz 10 flies for fly fishing $1.25 |
|
|
New Gold Aluminum Fishing Casting Fly Reel BF600A 1/2 $7.99 |
|
|
fly fishing tying hair flies fish jig tie COLOR PURPLE $2.79 |
|
|
Waterworks Lamson ULA Force 3 SL Fly Reel Fly Fishing $449.00 |
|
|
Waterworks Lamson ULA Force 3X SL Fly Reel Fly Fishing $459.00 |
|
|
fly fishing tying hair flies fish jig tie COLOR BLUE $2.79 |
|
|
March Brown Nymph fly Sz 10 flies for fly fishing $1.00 |
|
|
Fly Fishing box, carry case, fly assortment $20.00 |
|
|
Hardy Fly Fishing Hardy Angel 2 Fly Reel 6/7wt $168.00 |
|
|
fly fishing tying hair flies fish jig tie DARK BLUE $2.79 |
|
|
ZYZ Classic Fly Fishing Reel OP2 Special Edition WF3/4WT $230.00 |
|
|
ZYZ Classic Fly Fishing raised pillar Reel RP2 Limited version $230.00 |
|
|
fly fishing tying hair flies fish jig tie BLACK & BLUE $2.79 |
|
|
(3) Professional Maxima Tapered Leaders 9.5′ 3x-5lb SIGHTER Fly Fishing Leader $12.00 |
|
|
ZYZ Classic Fly Fishing raised pillar Reel RP2 Limited version $260.00 |
|
|
(3) Professional Maxima Tapered Leaders 9.5′ 4x-4lb SIGHTER Fly Fishing Leader $12.00 |
|
|
FLY FISHING ROD MAKING How To TROUT Dry Fish Angler CD $0.98 |
|
|
Fly Fishing-”Zinger” Pin-On Tool Retractor-Large $1.99 |
|
|
Fly fishing flies and rob. $7.53 |
|
|
(3) Professional Maxima Tapered Leaders 9.5′ 6x-2lb SIGHTER Fly Fishing Leader $12.00 |
|
|
Vtg Steel fishing Rod German nickel silver 3 piece rod, 7’10 fly/casting rod $50.00 |
|
|
Royal Wulff Sz 10 flies for fly fishing $1.00 |
|
|
ZYZ Classic Fly Fishing raised pillar Reel RP4 wf7/9wt $260.00 |
|
|
NEW Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pen Reel Pole Fly Stick Ice $0.99 |
|
|
Start to Finish Fly Rod Building Guide Book Fishing $13.00 |
|
|
Irideus Ultimate Gamefish Tube Flies Fly Fishing Flies Fresh or Saltwater Flies $7.99 |
|
|
BRAND NEW BF800B Aluminium Fly Fishing Reel Trout NIB $9.99 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing Swimming Frog Fly Hook 02 Black $7.95 |
|
|
Bead Head Prince Nymph Sz 12 flies for fly fishing $1.00 |
|
|
L.L. Bean Fly Fishing for Bass Handbook by Dave Whitlock $4.99 |
|
|
Advertising Cruttenden Fishing Fly Rod Cazenovia 1887 $4.99 |
|
|
Black Stone fly Sz 10 flies for fly fishing $1.00 |
|
|
Irideus Custom Articulated #6 River Prawn Trout Fly Fishing Flies Steelhead Fly $11.99 |
|
|
Cliff Outdoors The Fat Patch fly fishing $11.95 |
|
|
New Simms stone SolarFlex long sleeve fly fishing shirt—XL—FREE US SHIPPING $39.00 |
|
|
Fishwest Fly Fishing Logo Gift Shot Glass Set of Four $5.95 |
|
|
Prince Nymph Fly Sz 14 flies for fly fishing $1.00 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 14 $5.75 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 04 $5.75 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 08 $5.75 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 18 $5.75 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 12 $5.75 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 20 $5.75 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 22 $5.75 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 06 $5.75 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 10 $5.75 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 16 $5.75 |
|
|
Umpqua Fly Fishing U Series Hooks- U203 50 Pack Size 24 $5.75 |
|
|
Fishwest Fly Fishing Long Bill Hat Cap Brown $8.95 |
