Updated October 15, 2026

    Nymphfly fishing glossary

    The underwater larval stage of an aquatic insect; also a fly pattern imitating this stage.

    Nymphs are the immature, underwater form of mayflies, stoneflies, and other aquatic insects. Since trout feed subsurface roughly 80–90% of the time, nymph fishing is the most consistently productive technique.

    Nymphing Techniques

    • Indicator nymphing: Float a strike indicator with weighted nymphs below
    • Euro nymphing: Tight-line, no indicator, maximum sensitivity
    • High-sticking: Short-range, keeping line off the water