Euro Nymph Tungsten beads sizes

Hi Dan,

I usually replenish bead size 5/64” (2mm) & 3/32 (2.4mm) frequently. I’m always looking for deals on slotted tungsten beads in gold, nickel and copper for my euro flies in this size beads. I tend to have a love affair for the smaller flies in size 18, 20, 22, 24 & 26. I have better luck catching fish with the smaller flies with  smaller bead size. My feeling is a moderate sinking fly in the water column gives a better natural drift look to the fly when using the euro nymphing technique. Again, as you stated it depends on the water conditions and water type your fishing.

I sometimes eliminate a bead for my euro flies and use unleaded wire. But, you have to be careful using wire because you don’t want to create too much bulk in the fly.

I hope this is helpful for you.

Take care!

Mike

Hi Dan, I tend to use beads from the 2.5mm to 4+mm.  Mostly because I prefer to fish them in pocket water, and I want the bead head to get the fly down quickly in all of that turbulence.  The heavier flies also give me a better sense of feel.

Using the FATC discount with Firehole Ooutdoors helps keep the cost of those tungsten beads quite reasonable.

Jim Craig

Opportunities to Euro nymph have been scarce this year in this area because the lakes are high and the the flows have not allowed for wading .  I find that I’m buying more 2.5 – 3.0 beads.  I use them mostly for #16 curved short shank root-beer and ruby midges that I have confidence in here on the White R.   You can get away with a 2.0 bead on a #20 but a 1.5 bead will look better.  #18 hooks look best to me with a 2.0 bead.  I know a lot of fishermen who are favoring 60 degree jig hooks now and jig hooks require the slotted bead (don’t need to pay extra for the slotted on straight or curved shank hooks).  Last year I was black nickel but this year the copper and/or gold may be better.  A good source for beads is Jimmy Traylor at Wishes and Fishes Fly Shop in Bull Shoals, AR.  You won’t beat his prices and he has a good selection.  http://shop.flyfisharkansas.com/.  Drop by his shop if you’re in the area.  As an aside, an Euro nymph that is producing well especially for browns here is Lance Egan’s Red Dart #12.  Another good fly this year is the Sunday Special #16; it’s very similar to Walt’s Worm.  Let me know if you’re coming to the area to fish.  I’m on the river most days and maybe can help you out.

Stag,

You got some good advice here. Love it. Here’s my two cents. First, size 26 flies??? You crazy man!!

Second, If you are using smaller flies (slower current, gin clear waters, etc.) then use those smaller tungsten beads (2.0mm) but you don’t always have to use the tungsten beads. yes, they sink faster but smaller brass beads or even glass beads (buy at Michael’s) can be just as deadly. Here is a tip (don’t tell anyone I told you). Our discount sponsors, Firehole Outdoors and Dooley’s Fly Fishing both sell the Firehole stones (tungsten beads) but Firehole gives us a 10% discount and Dooley’s a 15% discount – go figure. Of course, you’ll need the FATC code.

Third, to fish those smallllll fliessss. Then fish two flies, one that is weighted pretty good and the other your small fly. The larger/heavier weighted fly will get the other down. You have to decide where to put your two flies – dropper or point – to put the two flies where you want them in the water column.

Tight lines