Perdigon
The fast-sinking competition nymph that changed Euro nymphing forever.
The Perdigon is a sleek, heavy, UV-resin-coated nymph designed for one purpose: getting to the bottom fast. Its smooth body and tungsten bead cut through current with minimal drag, making it the preferred point fly for competitive Euro nymphers fishing deep, fast runs where traditional flies struggle to reach the strike zone.
History & Lore
Developed by Spanish competition fly fishers in the early 2000s, the Perdigon (Spanish slang for lead shot) was designed to sink like a bullet. It dominated European fly fishing competitions and was introduced to American anglers through the US Fly Fishing Team's competition results. Its UV resin coat was the key innovation, creating a durable, smooth, fast-sinking profile.
Variations
Hot Spot Perdigon
Fluorescent collar behind the bead for added attraction.
Rainbow Warrior Perdigon
Pearl tinsel body under UV resin for flash.
Black Magic Perdigon
All black with UV purple wing case — deep water producer.
How to Fish It
Fish the Perdigon as the heavy point fly in a Euro tandem rig, with a lighter emerger or midge pattern as the dropper. Lead the flies through deep runs with constant bottom contact. The smooth profile means fewer snags than traditional nymphs in rocky substrate.
When to Use
Anytime you need to get deep fast. Essential for Euro nymphing in fast, deep runs. Year-round effectiveness, especially in high or off-color water.
Materials
- Hook
- Hanak 400BL jig hook, #14-22
- Bead
- Slotted tungsten, 3.0-4.0mm (heavy)
- Thread
- Ultra-fine thread or Peacock Quill body wrap
- Tail
- Coq de Leon fibers, 2-3 strands
- Wing case
- Coq de Leon or holographic tinsel
- Coating
- UV resin, thin formula
Tying Video
Tying Steps
Slide a heavy slotted tungsten bead onto a jig hook. Start thread and build a smooth, tapered underbody.
💡 Use the heaviest bead the hook will support — 3.5mm on a #14 is standard.
Tie in a tail of 2-3 coq de Leon fibers at the bend.
💡 Short tail — just a few fiber lengths past the bend.
Wrap the body with thread or tinsel in smooth, tapered turns from bend to bead.
💡 Olive, brown, or black thread bodies are most effective.
Tie in a thin strip of Peacock Quill or Coq de Leon fiber as a wing case over the thorax area.
💡 Just a few fibers — this is an accent, not a feature.
Apply a thin, even coat of UV resin over the entire body. Cure with a UV light.
💡 Rotate the fly while curing for an even, smooth finish.
Apply a second thin coat of UV resin if needed for smoothness. Whip finish behind the bead.
💡 The finished body should be glass-smooth — that's what makes it sink fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Perdigon should I use?
The Perdigon is most commonly tied in sizes 14–22. Anytime you need to get deep fast. Essential for Euro nymphing in fast, deep runs. Year-round effectiveness, especially in high or off-color water.
What does a Perdigon imitate?
The Perdigon primarily imitates mayfly nymphs, caddis pupae, general attractor. Fish the Perdigon as the heavy point fly in a Euro tandem rig, with a lighter emerger or midge pattern as the dropper. Lead the flies through deep run
What materials do I need to tie a Perdigon?
Key materials include: Hook, Bead, Thread, Tail, Wing case, Coating. On a jig hook with a heavy tungsten bead, wrap a thin thread or tinsel body, add a thin fiber wing c
How do you fish a Perdigon?
Fish the Perdigon as the heavy point fly in a Euro tandem rig, with a lighter emerger or midge pattern as the dropper. Lead the flies through deep runs with constant bottom contact. The smooth profile means fewer snags than traditional nymphs in rocky substrate.
Pattern Details
- Category
- Nymphs
- Sizes
- 14–22
- Colors
- Olive, Black, Brown, Purple
- Weight
- Tungsten slotted (heavy)
- Hook Styles
- Jig hook
- Imitates
- mayfly nymphs, caddis pupae, general attractor
- Water Types
- freestone, tailwater
- Origin
- Spanish competition fly fishers, early 2000s
Target Species
Pattern Details
- Category
- Nymphs
- Sizes
- 14–22
- Colors
- Olive, Black, Brown, Purple
- Weight
- Tungsten slotted (heavy)
- Hook Styles
- Jig hook
- Imitates
- mayfly nymphs, caddis pupae, general attractor
- Water Types
- freestone, tailwater
- Origin
- Spanish competition fly fishers, early 2000s