The Advantage of Small Unweighted Nymphs - Summer Low Water Tactics
Morning,
Firstly, I like to thank all of you who managed to snag one of our Bosnian Balon Pupa Selections - I'm already hearing great reports of catches with them! Our 'man in Bosnia' is already working on some new patterns to tempt you next month!
This week has been pretty full on, with me being away for the weekend there's been loads of orders to get packed and out of the door.
I did manage to get out for an hour on the way home the other afternoon, it was pretty tricky going as the fish seemed to be in their 'post Mayfly lull' and hiding in the shadows - taking small unweighted nymphs:
When we first launched Barbless Flies - all the way back in 2014 - we started with only two selections of flies - a set of dry flies and a set of nymphs.
Our initial aim was to put together separate universal selections which you could take to any water (be it river or stillwater) in the UK, and be confident of catching fish - no matter what time of year.
From the back of a very successful summer last year, where I was predominantly fishing in afternoons, we've now developed a NEW set of nymphs - specifically designed for use in rivers and stillwaters, in the Summer - plus we've put a really special offer together on these, specifically for our email community (see below).
These nymphs are all size 18 and most importantly - they are unweighted.
This, along with the specialist knot used to tie them on (see below), makes them (virtually) irresistible to any passing fish - see the very end of this email for a great read on fishing with small nymphs, along with the leaders and knots to use.
But, for now, on to those Unweighted Micro Nymphs I mentioned above:
Our Unweighted Micro Nymph Selection contains five patterns (3 of each - all tied on quality size 18 barbless hooks):
- Red-Head Micro Nymph
- Hare's Ear Micro Nymph
- Olive Micro Nymph
- Orange-Head Micro Nymph
- Pheasant Tail Micro Nymph
You will also notice that the above patterns are the very same patterns and sizes as our really popular Micro Tungsten Nymph Selection - but obviously without the tungsten beads!
Please Note: These flies are brand new to us and we've only got 40 selections available. If they are as popular as we hope they will be, we've already primed our tyers to expect more orders!
*** If you would like a set, grab yours now before we run out! ***
I've found that the above Pheasant Tail Micro Nymph is deadly when drifted just under the surface - I've watched fish move a couple of feet from their regular feeding station to intercept it!
Take a look at the end of this email for some tips on how to fish a Micro Nymph, and the specialist knot you never knew you needed!
Our NEW for 2025 Unweighted Micro Nymph Selection is now available as a selection of 15 flies (3 of each of 5 different patterns - see above). We are supplying all of these for only £18 - which includes FREE Delivery to anywhere within the UK.
All are supplied in our eco-friendly packaging. Just click on any image or button in this email to view the selection in more detail.
SPECIAL OFFER: Buy one of our Unweighted Micro Nymph Selections and include some Specialist 8X Tippet (see below) and we will discount the tippet by 20% - making the total only £24.00.
This offer is only available until midnight tonight - 12th June 2025.
*** Go on, you know you want to! ***
Here's Some Specialist Tippet For Your Micro Patterns?
When fishing micro nymphs (and dry flies) it is really important that the tippet you use is pretty thin - so you can thread it through the smaller hook eyes. The only issue with thin tippet is the strength is usually pretty low (i.e. 1.5lb of less).
We've managed to find some 'goldilocks' tippet ...
- It's thin - 0.09mm
- It's strong - 2.1lb; and
- It's very, very long - 50m
It's a part of the Snowbee XS range of copolymer tippets, it's made in Japan (who know a thing or two about making tippet), this one's the snappily titled "XS-Plus Gold Super Copolymer" and it's perfect for fishing micro nymphs and dry flies (I use it all the time on the Yorkshire Derwent during Summer):
XS-Plus Gold Super Copolymer tippet is the number one choice for the most demanding angler. No expense has been spared to create the ultimate tippet copolymer line to provide maximum strength, without sacrificing the other features demanded by today's discerning fly anglers.
What is amazing about this line, notwithstanding its super high knot strength, is its limited stretch factor of 22-24% elongation, which dramatically improves bite detection, whilst allowing sufficient stretch to avoid shaking fish off when using barbless hooks. For convenience, the line is supplied on super-narrow 50m spools that will join together if required and at just 65mm diameter, fit easily into any fly vest pocket or tippet spool holder.
We've managed to secure a supply of this specialist 8X tippet spools and can now bring them to you for only £7.49 - which includes FREE Delivery to anywhere within the UK.
***Go on, you know you want to, everyone needs some 8X tippet in their life!***
Summer Low Water Tactics: The Advantage of Small Unweighted Nymphs
When summer arrives and water levels drop to their seasonal lows, many anglers find themselves struggling to connect with wary trout. The gin-clear water, reduced flow rates, and heightened fish selectivity that characterise low summer conditions demands a more refined approach. One of the most effective strategies for these challenging conditions is fishing small, unweighted nymphs - a technique that can transform frustrating days into memorable ones.
Why Small Unweighted Nymphs Excel in Low Water
Natural Presentation in Reduced Current - Low water conditions fundamentally change how aquatic insects behave and how trout respond to them. With reduced current velocity, natural nymphs drift more slowly and with less erratic movement. Small, unweighted patterns mimic this natural behaviour perfectly, sinking gradually and maintaining a lifelike drift that larger, weighted flies simply cannot achieve in these conditions.
To help a more natural presentation, try tying your micro nymph on using a Non-Slip Loop knot (see below) - this style of loop know allow smaller flies to react more naturally in the currents:
The absence of weight (and using a Non-Slip Loop knot) allows these patterns to respond naturally to subtle water movements, creating micro-movements that trigger strikes from fish that have grown increasingly selective. This natural action becomes particularly important when trout have ample time to inspect your offering in the clear, slow-moving water.
Why Small Unweighted Nymphs Excel in Low Water
Natural Presentation in Reduced Current - Low water conditions fundamentally change how aquatic insects behave and how trout respond to them. With reduced current velocity, natural nymphs drift more slowly and with less erratic movement. Small, unweighted patterns mimic this natural behaviour perfectly, sinking gradually and maintaining a lifelike drift that larger, weighted flies simply cannot achieve in these conditions.
The absence of weight allows these patterns to respond naturally to subtle water movements, creating micro-movements that trigger strikes from fish that have grown increasingly selective. This natural action becomes particularly important when trout have ample time to inspect your offering in the clear, slow-moving water.
Reduced Disturbance and Stealth - Perhaps the greatest advantage of small, unweighted nymphs lies in their ability to enter the water with minimal disturbance. In low, clear conditions where trout spook at the slightest unnatural movement, the gentle entry of a size 18 or 20 unweighted nymph can mean the difference between success and failure.
These flies create virtually no splash, produce no alarming plop, and avoid the heavy disturbance that can shut down an entire pool. This stealth factor becomes exponentially more important as water levels drop and fish become increasingly pressure-sensitive.
Matching the Prevalent Insect Life - Summer low water periods coincide with peak activity of smaller aquatic insects. Baetis mayflies, small caddis larvae, and midge pupae dominate the trout's diet during these conditions. Small, unweighted nymphs perfectly match the size profile of these abundant food sources, presenting trout with familiar, readily accepted patterns.
The reduced metabolic demands of smaller insects in warmer water also mean they move more languidly, making the slow, natural sink rate of unweighted patterns even more realistic.
I've made the full article on Summer Low Water Tactics: The Advantage of Small Unweighted Nymphs available on our "2 wheels, 1 rod" blog, click on the below button to read the full article.
Tight lines & have a great time out on the water.
