nymph
Blowtorch
- Sizes
- #12–#16
- Imitates
- caddis larvae · general attractor
- Origin
- Devin Olsen (adapted from a Czech tag nymph)
A flashy attractor nymph that combines a bright hot spot with a dark body to create maximum contrast underwater. Originally developed for European competition fishing, the Blowtorch excels as a point fly in tandem rigs, drawing trout from distance in colored or high water conditions.
Recipe
Workbench
Variants
Swipe to see In box and Add
| Size | Bead | Body | In box | Add to box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #12 | tungsten · tungsten slotted | black/red | — | — |
| #14 | tungsten · tungsten slotted | black/red | — | — |
| #16 | tungsten · tungsten slotted | black/red | — | — |
At the vise
Tying notes are not on file for this pattern.
Tying video
Fishing now on
Rivers whose hatch chart names this pattern this month. Names and sizes only.
Not named on this month's hatch charts.
On the water
Fishing notes are not on file for this pattern.
History
Devin Olsen first saw the Blowtorch at the 2014 World Fly Fishing Championships in the Czech Republic. A local guide showed Team USA a tag nymph he used on chubs in the Vltava River. Devin adapted the colors and materials to his preference, and the fly won him 1st and 2nd-place river sessions at that tournament. He calls its appeal 'pulling power' — trout will leave a lie to eat this fly when they will not move for something more natural. The Blowtorch is now one of the first flies Devin ties on when exploring new water.