For surface presentations, floating nymph patterns seem to fall below the fly fisher’s radar compared to the standard dry fly or the emerger patterns. When we tie and fish nymphs we often weight them and fish them deep along the bottom where we are told the majority of fish feed. The deep presentation is true. But, when we see the surface activity, we enjoy the ease of casting a floating line and observing the take at or near the surface.

An unweighted mayfly nymph may be just the right choice for fish feeding at the surface ~SwittersB~

 An unweighted nymph can be an interesting fly choice in the surface film. When fish are bulging or slashing  just below the surface, the dry fly may not be the answer just yet. Lately, this is when anglers have been presenting emerger patterns, the dry fly pattern with a trailing nymphal shuck. A good choice for sure. But, keep in mind using a nymph pattern that is of the same color as the adult mayfly you believe is coming off.

There are nymph patterns (floating nymphs) that incorporate visible material at the thorax area of the pattern that give the fly a degree of floatation and a point of reference near the surface.

Explore the option of an unweighted mayfly nymph pattern at the surface.