The Flashback Nymph

The flash back is a hugely successful variation on many standard nymph patterns, they are particularly great when fishing for 'bows and in slightly discolored water.

There are three main variations of the flashback, either the whole back map be covered or only the front section, or lastly only the rear section of the body.

Half back flashback techniques can be applied to many existing patterns by simply replacing the existing wing case with your favorite flashback material. Examples include flashback hare and copper, flashback pheasant tail, flashback caddis, flashback stonefly, flashback water boatman, as you can see practically any nymph can be turned into a flashback.

My own favorite flashback variation is the full flashback, this is where the flashback material is tied along the entire back of the nymph, that is along the body (usually before rib is applied) then continued up over the thorax as a traditional wingcase.

I also like to add a little extra sparkle and weight by adding a gold bead to my flashbacks to turn them into bead head flashbacks. I find a full flashback prince nymph coupled with a tungsten bead a deadly combination for fast water rainbows.

The general genre of flashback nymphs are great early season, or in discolored water, Rainbows seem to seek out the extra flash and I have even had flashbacks work on selective browns unawares ( very occasionally). These variations of standard nymph patterns will compliment any fly box, and they are probably the nymphs that Mike hasn't told you he has stashed away in his box.

Blair Daniel

Editors note.
The thing I like about flashbacks is the variation in Flashback materials that it is possible to use, from wide gold or silver tinsel, to mylar tubing, crystal flash, anything bright and sparkly is worth trying. Even old Christmas decorations    mike

[ Fly Box Home ]