JJ Special Nymph
This JJ Special Nymph, or Pheasant Tail Nymph was originally designed for use in lakes, but because the Columbia River has so many mayflies it works very well in the river for most of the year. This fly is great pattern for drifting the back-eddies and runs. Hang it under an indicator in May and June for some great back eddy action, and fish it in the runs from August to October. This fly can be tied with a size 16, 14, or 12 hook depending on the size of insects the trout are currently feeding on.
JJ Special Nymph Materials List
Size 14 Daiichi 1530 hook
6/0 Superfly Thread -Red
Gold Bead -3/32 or 7/64
Pheasant Tail
Fine Wire -Gold or Hot Yellow
Mallard Breast Feather
About the Tyer
Rod Zavaduk is the owner/operator of Castlegar Sports Centre and Fly Shop; a retail fly fishing outlet and guide service. He began fishing the Columbia River in the late 70s and has been a licensed guide for over 25 years. Rod has studied entomology for 40 plus years and is an expert in the local hatches and insect life cycles. The majority of flies sold in Rod’s shop are hand tied and specialized for the local waterways. Many of the flies are tried and true custom patterns that cannot be purchased anywhere else. Rod estimates he ties 5,000 flies each year.
Visit CastlegarFlyShop.ca to see more of Rod’s hand tied flies, or stop by the new location at 2243 6th Avenue in Castlegar.
