Nymphs
NymphsSizes 14–20by Gilbert Rowley (introduced via Devin Olsen; Bosnian origin)

Pliva Perdigon

A Veevus Body Quill perdigon with chartreuse rib and fl. orange hot spot.

Imitates: baetis nymph, pmd nymphtailwater, spring creekjig hook, standard nymph

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Tying Recipe

Pliva Perdigon

NymphsSize 14–20
1
hook
Hanak 230 BL
Hanak
2
bead
Tungsten Slotted Bead 2.0mm Copper
GenericSize: 2.5mmColor: copper
3
weight(optional)
.015" lead wire (optional)
4
tail
Coq de Leon Feathers
Whiting Farms
5
body
Veevus Body Quill
VeevusColor: olive
6
rib
Nano Silk 30D Black
Semperfli
7
hot_spot
Nano Silk 30D Black
Semperfli
8
wingcase(optional)
Black Nail Polish
9
coating
Solarez Bone Dry
Solarez

Tying Video

About This Pattern

A slim olive-body perdigon with chartreuse power-thread rib, fl. orange hot spot, black nail-polish wingcase, and UV resin. Sinks like a stone through picky water.

On the Water

How to Fish It

Lead wire under-body is optional — add it when you need extra weight without going up a bead size. Chartreuse rib is the tell.

When to Use

Tight-line nymphing, picky trout, thin-tippet work.

History & Lore

Devin Olsen introduced Gilbert Rowley to this fly the year after Devin fished the World Championships in Bosnia. It was shown to the US team by local guides, and it proved to be one of the most valuable flies in the competition. Since then, perdigon nymphs have reshaped fly fishing, and the Pliva is one of Gilbert's favorite variations. He ties it with and without a hot spot, depending on how technical the trout are — the drab version for selective fish, the orange-spot version when he wants attention. Because perdigons sink so quickly, the Pliva gets a rig to depth without split shot or heavy anchors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size Pliva Perdigon should I use?

The Pliva Perdigon is most commonly tied in sizes 14–20. Tight-line nymphing, picky trout, thin-tippet work.

What does a Pliva Perdigon imitate?

The Pliva Perdigon primarily imitates baetis nymph, pmd nymph. Lead wire under-body is optional — add it when you need extra weight without going up a bead size. Chartreuse rib is the tell.

How do you fish a Pliva Perdigon?

Lead wire under-body is optional — add it when you need extra weight without going up a bead size. Chartreuse rib is the tell.

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Pattern Details

Category
Nymphs
Sizes
14–20
Hook Styles
jig hook, standard nymph
Imitates
baetis nymph, pmd nymph
Water Types
tailwater, spring creek
Origin
Gilbert Rowley (introduced via Devin Olsen; Bosnian origin)