Prince Nymph

By Doug Prince, 1930s. White wings, peacock body. Excellent attractor.

Printed on the 8 of diamonds

The Prince Nymph should not work as well as it does. Real nymphs do not have two bright white wings folded over their backs. But peacock herl has an iridescence that no synthetic has ever quite matched, and those white biots give a fish something specific to aim at in murky, broken, fast-moving water.

It is best understood as an attractor that happens to be nymph-shaped. Fished in pocket water and riffles where trout decide quickly, it gets eaten by fish that are not examining anything closely. On flat, clear, heavily fished water it is far less convincing, and there are better choices.

In the larger sizes it makes a credible stonefly nymph, which is why it is so productive on western freestone rivers in spring and early summer. Fish it big and deep in high water, and small as a dropper in summer.

What does a Prince Nymph imitate?

Stonefly and mayfly nymphs, with attractor flash.

How do you fish a Prince Nymph?

Dead drift deep under an indicator, or as the lead fly ahead of a smaller natural nymph. Also very good on the swing at the end of a drift.

When should you fish a Prince Nymph?

Spring through autumn, particularly in fast or slightly colored water and during stonefly activity.

What are the quick tips for fishing it?

• Go bigger than you think in spring high water — #10 and #12 earn their place.
• The white biots are the trigger; if they are chewed off, change the fly.
• Pairs beautifully as the lead fly ahead of a Pheasant Tail.

How is a Prince Nymph tied?

• Hook: 1XL nymph, #10-#18
• Bead: gold
• Tail: brown goose biots
• Body: peacock herl
• Rib: flat gold tinsel
• Wings: white goose biots, tied flat over the back
• Hackle: brown hen, collared

Dressings vary by tier and region. Treat this as the common recipe, not the only one.