Learn/Fly Box/Nymph/Small Dark Nymph
SD
Nymph

Small Dark Nymph

Autumn needle-fly nymph
Trout · GraylingSubsurface

Small slim dark nymph for the autumn needle flies and lesser stoneflies.

Fish this when

In autumn on faster stretches when needle flies and the smaller stoneflies are active, dead-drifted deep and slim through the same broken water the naturals cling to.

Why it works

Its slender dark profile matches the modest size of these late-season naturals, so it doesn't overplay the hand the way a bulkier generic nymph would in low, clear autumn water.

Naturals it imitates
small dark stonefly/needle nymph
Typical zone & fishable range
usually
Surface
Film
Subsurface
Deep
Setup sensitivity: medium
Hook range#16–18
Quick facts
Tying difficulty
Beginner-friendly