nymph
Perdigon
- Sizes
- #14–#22
- Imitates
- mayfly nymphs · caddis pupae · general attractor
- Origin
- Spanish competition fly fishers, early 2000s
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.
Recipe
This is one dressing. Tie it in other colors to match the hatch in front of you.
Workbench
Variants
Swipe to see In box and Add
| Size | Bead | Body | In box | Add to box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #14 | 2–3mm · tungsten · copper | Olive | — | — |
| #16 | 2–3mm · tungsten · copper | Olive | — | — |
| #18 | 2–3mm · tungsten · copper | Olive | — | — |
| #20 | 2–3mm · tungsten · copper | Olive | — | — |
| #22 | 2–3mm · tungsten · copper | Olive | — | — |
At the vise
On a jig hook with a heavy tungsten bead, wrap a thin thread or tinsel body, add a thin fiber wing case, and seal everything with UV resin.
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
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.
History
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.