***These patterns are my confidence flies. You may find other patterns that work great for you. Find the patterns YOU have confidence in and build your box around them. Once you have your core down, you can add attractors, terrestrials, junk flies, and situational bugs. I base all my hook sizes off of the Hanak 400. In my opinion, that hook really is the standard on what sizes should be. Devin Olsen with Tactical Fly Fisher did a great service to everyone by putting measurements with the hooks. It was always a guessing game before. If I look at other manufacturers, I'll look a the measurements, then compare them to the Hanak 400 to get the right size. How I use bead sizes: 20s and 18s: 2-2.3 (some 2.8s) 16s: 2.3-2.8 (some 3.3s). 14s: 2.8-3.3 12s- 3.3-3.8. When I oversize, I do it with a Walt's Worm, especially when I oversize a bead on 18s (2.8) and 16s (3.3). I also oversize a lot of size 16 perdigons to a 3.3. Hope this helps!
Hello good sir! I bought some Pezon & Michel line based off your recommendation. It’s the bi-color 0.16mm diameter and about 5lbs test. For some reason it’s looking thinner than I was expecting. Are you using this line as the butt section of your leader or as sighter? Just curious. Thanks a bunch. I love watching your vids!
Love this video! I’m your wife and I still learned a ton from this❤. Happy you’re a perfect type A to my type Z! I’d never survive on a river without you. Keep living your dream through your passion. Xo
Hi Kelly, really love your comments about your amazing man who has taught me so much about the finer points of EURO nymphing in particular - I really appreciate him because of his generosity of shared knowledge, clear articulation, and calm focus ...my wife is also supportive of my fly fishing dream and passion but with the Christmas holiday season just around the corner, she has asked if Cory could arrange for Chanel to come out with a range of No.5 Eau de Parfum dry fly sprays that we could share 🤣...cos she doesn't like the action of a new Thomas & Thomas rod that I'd earmarked for 'her' as her (actually my) Xmas gift🎣 Hope you and yours have a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season ...all the best
Cory, another gem of a video. The past 2-3 years I have really focused on the Euro nymphing game. I can honestly say that I have really upped my game, thanks to your videos. At one of our fly tying get togethers, I played your Walts Worm video( with your permission )lol. In my opinion, the new fly tyers, get lost in the sizzle and not the steak. Your videos bend the learning curve and get to the steak. In the last few years, I have had great success with the Walts, the Stone Pony, Jack Daniels(Madison) and the green flash/gasolina perdigon. My suggestion to anyone who wants to really learn Euro Nymphing is to watch your videos. They will learn 3 keys to success: Position,Presentation and Pattern. This video is a great guide to successful Euro nymphing. Your patterns are proven winners for me. Thanks for sharing as always. Tight lines my friend.
Thank you, Frank! SUPER nice of you to say. Glad it has all been helpful! Sizzle vs. Steak-love it! Appreciate the kind comment and hope you are well, my friend. Tight lines to you!
Thanks for the long awaited video on filling a fly box. I’ve been trying to reduce my patterns, because there’s no more room in the box. Your approach is perfect. Thanks for all your suggestions, and great fly patterns. Keep up the good work. Rich
Inspiring stuff! Great video-building a confidence fly box is definitely on my to-do list now. I get asked about it all the time, and I can’t believe I’ve never thought of making a video about my own. Thanks for the spark!
Cory, you did it again…another short, but VERY informative video, with great detail and links to everything; truly appreciate you sharing your wisdom with us…now maybe you can do a short video on some of your fav stogies 🚬
Thank You for another great video Cory ! Your positive energy and ability to explain things in a simple and effective way and your selflessness is simply unmatched . Great ! Tight lines and Happy upcoming Holidays to You and your Family!
Without a doubt, your Jack Daniels (JD) is my No.1 confidence fly/nymph for wild brown trout in the UK (graylings like it too but wild brownies really go for it)...I tie all my own flies these days based on all the tying tips you've shared with us all via your tutorial videos and small, thin, and slim has changed my world..I also tie your JD's using jig-off / tactical tungsten drop beads which look 'right' to my eye and swim well...I tie a light olive version alongside the tan original version...as a general impression size and shape pattern, I can't thank you enough for opening up your box for us Cory. Looking forward to your 20k subscribers milestone ...season's greetings to you and yours amigo
Love to hear it, TK! Glad the JD is your No.1 ! And I love that you tie it in olive (I do too!). I always appreciate your comments and support! Tight lines to you, my friend. And season's greetings to you and yours, as well!
Excellent video and excellent advice. Your points make order out of chaos. I had to smile re: the shotgun approach. When I first started tying, I wanted to tie everything under the sun, and I did. Once streamside and carefully studying my enormous library box of effort, out would come the Adams, the Wulff, some version of a hairy caddis, a hopper, an ant, etc. Maybe 10 patterns. Viewers would do well to heed your advice. It’ll end up that way, anyway.
This is wonderful! I’ve been learning to tie nymphs for the past few weeks with a total ‘shotgun’ approach. You are super helpful and I appreciate that you have the ‘how to’ videos to go along. Time to get tying!
Thank you very much! This is one of the most helpful videos I've seen. Would love to see a similar version for dries, streamers, terrestrials, and lack of a better term garbage flies. Thank you so much for the video, this is very helpful!
This was extremely helpful. Just getting into tying and I've tied quite a few different nymph patterns, but not in quantity. This will really help me narrow down some patterns that I can build out a box with then have a small box of tester patterns. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it is working for you, Michael. As much as I would love to take credit for the Stupid Simple PT...I can't. It is a Pat Weiss pattern. Pat has some great simple patterns. Thanks so much for watching!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and video-it’s fantastic! Starting a nymph box feels just as you described: fulfilling yet a bit daunting, especially when I see all the patterns I’ve yet to try. Your guidance is incredibly helpful! I’ve been using capercaillie feathers from hunting, similar to how you’d use pheasant tail feathers, and they work amazingly well for trout here in Norway. I can also confirm that the JD is excellent in Norway-what a great bug!
Glad it is helpful! The capercallie sounds really cool. Love hearing that the JD is working for you in Norway! Good luck with building your box. Tight lines to you. Skal!
Hope you don’t mind if I pick your 🧠. I am the shotgun guy. lol. When tying the bugs you mentioned. Do you tie for example a row of 14s in 3.3 14s in 2.8 14 in 2.3 and so forth. Of course once you get to the smaller hooks like the midges do you stick with 2.8 2.3 2.0? Thanks again Cory.
@@brettrouse3207 I'll do an organization video in the future, but for the time being, I like to keep the same size hooks and weights on the same page (The Fulling Mill box has 4 pages). I sometimes divide a page in half. 1st page...The top are sizes 20s and 18s with 2.0s and the bottom with 20s and 18s with 2.3s. 2nd page- size 16s with 2.3s. 3rd page- the top with size 16 with 2.8s, bottom size 14 with 2.8s. 4th page, the top with size 16 with 3.3s and the bottom with size 14 with 3.3s. Midges: I usually just tie 20s and 18s with 2.0 and 2.3/2.5 beads. I have more than one box because I like to tie. I also use the Orvis slim fly boxes and will use those the same way. I'll devote one box to size and weights and also pattern/patterns. I have other boxes with just Stone Ponies. Others for Mops, squirmies, etc...Another for attractors. Another for heavy size 12 flies. I pull flies out of these boxes as needed and put them in a "working box" to bring on the stream (which is my C&F chest box). I'll do something in the future that is more detailed, but organizing the way that works for you is key. Hope this helps.
Fly tying really is a choose your own adventure type of hobby (or sport when it comes to fly fishing), and I'm constantly motivated and amazed by anglers and tyers all over the world, in how they set up a nymph box. When George Daniel's came out with Dynamic Nymphing his box organization made a lot of sense to me personally. And then Devin Olsen pushed that concept further with his meticulous organization by weight and by sink rate.....this is another great conversation about it and seems very practical. I've used so many different boxes and methods. In general, I always have 1 confidence box. Just a single dedicated box (maybe a tacky fly box or a smaller fulling mill box) with just every day flies and sizes. Then my organizational ideas and production misalign. I have ideas for a local hatch box, a midge and egg box, but those haven't come together yet haha. Next year
I love this hobby and It is always a work in progress! George and Devin are great ones to learn from! I like to fish with a "working box" full of flies I know I'll be using on that particular day. You stay nice a light and don't bring the kitchen sink with you. Good luck with bringing it together!
Love it! I consider it a minimalist approach, and agree completely. Have to say I would also highly recommend the Blowtorch, it has been a game changer for me.
Thank you, Thomas! I do love the Blowtorch, as well. It's a great bug. For me, I would consider that an attractor pattern and not a "core" nymph pattern to build my box around. I put the BT in my lineup when I fish certain waters, but not all. I'll talk about that in another video. As long as it is your confidence fly and works where you fish is all that matters. Appreciate you watching!
Back in October I lost a box of flies while fishing the Arkansas and rather than get pissed, I got a big smile thinking I'd get to tie a lot of the flies that have worked for me globally over the past year. After watching this video, I'd say I have great taste and for sure I'd of never discovered the Jack Daniels or emphasized Walt's Worm enough in my box if it wasn't for your videos - so thank you so much! As well, when you travel, you don't want to run out of the bugs that work, so tying a lot in different sizes and weights is sage advice. Another terrific and insightful video that sets you apart.
Excellent attitude, JJ! Your loss is just going to make everything better now! Glad to hear the JD is working for you, and the videos have been helpful. Appreciate you watching. Have fun tying up that new box. Tight lines!
Awesome video. So true we go in a fly shop and see bins of fly patterns and suddenly the box is full. But as you describe we go to the river and tie on our favorites.
Great video as always Cory.. you are so correct with the rifeled approach 👍I see it here on the rivers in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧🏴 people with thousands of flies on the river bank, more weight to carry and 95% of them are tied up to catch the anglers and not the fish 😂 keep up the tremendous work. Looking forward to your new season videos. Tight lines. Seasons greetings to you and your family 🏴🎄🍗Mark, North Wales 🏴
Appreciate it, Mark! Amazing how much nicer it is out on the water with less weight! So true...flies have that "bin appeal" for the angler. Thanks so much for watching. Seasons greetings to you and yours, as well. Tight lines, mate!
Yep. Those are my main flies since I've been watching your videos, especially the Waltz Worm. Haven't been tying a lot of Jack Daniels since I didn't have a materials clamp, but now I got one. Perhaps it will be my number one next season. My home waters have a lot of deep fast pools so I have a few rows of 4mm flies.
Glad you have some of these for your main flies, NFF! The JD is a fish catcher, so you'll like it in your box. Always good to have some bombs for those deep, fast pools. Thanks so much for watching!
Kudos on your Jack Daniels. I know in some other videos you’ve done you mentioned tying a Walt’s with a metallic pink bead. One of my best producers in North GA and NC is the Jack Daniels with a metallic pink bead. It slays.
Go with confidence flies! I’m a nerd, so I keep track of how many fish I got for the year and what I catch them on. Quilldigons, Pheasant Tails, and Eggs accounted for 1,099 out of my 1,285 fish this year, so those 3 patterns caught almost 86% of my fish. I’m gonna organize my box up this winter and tie a bunch of those, because those are my primary best flies. No need to switch it up when you got a system down! Great video 👍🎣
Should’ve watched this before going my out today haha. My fly box was looking like a box of chocolates instead😂 i hit up the spot i commented about on your esopus video. P.s. your fly tying videos are one of a kind, would love to see some more! Cheers
Haha-that does make it tough to choose when it looks like that, Gus! Hope that spot was good to you. Appreciate the comment about my tying videos. I'll have more coming in the near future. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Cory! I try to do more of this with my tying although my fulling mill tactical box has a bunch of different patterns. I would say my 4 most used and tied patterns are walts,frenchies along with gasolina and rainbow warrior perdigons.
Hi Cory, I continue to be a fan. Great tutorial. I noticed that you do talk about unweighted midges. There seems to be a lot of tutorials on line for these. Fly Fish Food does several. Do you have any opinions or suggestions about them?
Appreciate it, Michael. I like to have weight in my flies. On a tiny midge, I'll use a 1.5 or 2mm bead. Even if you use an indicator, I think it beats using a split shot. They will certainly work with no weight, but for my style, I feel it works best with weight. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
I have been tying your Jack Daniels formula for about a month and I love it! I say your formula, because you taught me to stay consistent and not bulk build my flies. I'm a sucker for good looking consistent built flies! I'm new to tying and have only been tying for about 6 months now.
Enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting. I pretty much tie all the flies you mentioned. Your Jack Daniel has been a real fish catcher for me and a number of friends of mine. In addition, to the ones you noted, I've had good luck with Devin Olsen's Crossover Nymph and the Plastique Frenchie from Hackles & Wings. Both are posted on TH-cam. The latter is an interesting fly. It's super easy to tie to start with. It has no taper and the tail looks crooked. It's been one of my most consistent producers. It makes you wonder just how elaborate our flies need to be in order to get fish to take them...
Thank you, Frank! Glad the JD has been a fish catcher for you. I am familiar with Devin's Crossover...it is a good one. I'll check out the Plastique Frenchie. Sounds interesting. Appreciate you watching. Tight lines to you!
schmoonkie, Tks for mentioning the Crossover & Plastique. I thought I'd seen every Euro style fly out there, but I missed these two. They are now noted.
Excellent explanation, it is good to have an organized box, a few varied patterns of color and size than a hundred patterns in a thousand different ways. Curious how the falangista goes so far, I use it for both perdigon and dry fly for dropper, it is a pattern that never fails. Greetings from Spain
Gracious, Lacuna. An organized box is a good box! The Falangista is a top producer for me. Just love that perdigon. The Spanish did a great service to fly fishing! Tight lines to you. Salud!
This was the most helpful video yet for me on this topic! Super concise and informative! I’ve been wanting to get into tying my own flies but have been intimidated. Very helpful - thank you! Is there a kit and/or vice you would recommend for tying these flies? Something well built that will be long lasting. Thanks again! Alan
Happy it is helpful, Alan! Watch this video here. I think it can help you get started: th-cam.com/video/txOvJ9tPfBQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=cObSqcMUlzWIGEUo Also, pick a couple of flies to start with (a Walt's being the first). Get really good at tying them. Perfect them. Then start expanding. Good luck to you!
I'm glad it's helpful, George! I prefer mostly copper and silver, with an occasional metallic pink on a Walt's. The bead colors are listed in the descriptions of each video I linked.
This is an excellent video. The amount and types of nymphs you can tie is mind boggling and thinking about it can really bog people down. My feeling is that lots of flies are meant for catching fly fishers in addition to fish. Thanks for making it. Can you do a similar ones on: 1) jig streamers 2) ‘junk’ flies (squirmies, mops, eggs, etc.)
Thank you, Westside. I agree with flies catching fisherman...aka, " bin appeal". I'll be doing videos like that in the near future. Thanks for watching.
Great and informative piece. Will be tying some of your JDs. Lately I have been having great success with "beadless" nymphs. Have you been fishing any nymphs without beads?
Thank you, Ed. I know the JD will be good to you. I don't have beadless (not opposed to them at all). But for my fishing, I like the weight in them. I'll go down to a 1.5mm bead for the light ones. Appreciate you watching!
Hey Cory, Great video, advice and fly choices. Would love to hear your view, similar video on dry's. The one nymph I would add that is a consistent work horse out here in the west is a Duracell.
Thank you, Gabe. I'll be doing a similar dry fly video in the future. And the Duracell is definitely a great bug. Appreciate you watching. Tight lines to you.
I just subscribed and made a detailed list with screenshots, so I’ll know if hat to look for when shopping. Do you have a recommendation on where to purchase flies, for guys like me who haven’t started tying flies?
Reminds me of Troutbitten's pod on confidence flies, and this is just as great, so I really appreciate it. What is that red fly box with the turning page? Thanks for everything
Fantastic vid! Took up fly fishing last summer and it’s truly been quite the experience… now tying my own flies and learning a bit more everyday. Really found your past video about ‘adjustable tags’ very useful for the dry dropper rigs (can’t exactly remember what you titled the vid but you must know what I’m referring to). Are the nymphs in this vid tailored mainly towards euro nymphing, or could they be applied to standard rigs as well? Tight lines my friend
Thank you, Bradley. I'm glad you found the channel helpful. These nymphs are tailored to euro nymphing, but they can easily be used with an indicator. Your weight will be in the fly, and no split shot is required. I hope this helps. Good luck with your fly fishing and tying experience. Tight lines!
Thanks, Ron. I prefer both silver and copper on most of my bugs. But I do like a metallic light pink bead on a Walt's, and I will tie some simple Olive perdigons with some black nickel beads. Thanks for watching.
I am a euro nympher, but I use straight nymph hooks, as well. Even if you don't euro nymph, all of these flies can be tied without beads, even the perdigons. Appreciate you watching!
You should get commission on that Jack Daniel’s Cory 😂 ! Great informative video and for those who follow you probably have and are using most of these patterns already! I like to incorporate a new pattern now and then , and if it works well , I’ll add it to my arsenal! I see in this video you don’t talk about micro jigs and streamers, is that discussion for another video perhaps? Tight lines buddy!
Haha! Thanks, Tony! That's definitely how to do it right. Make a new fly earn its way into your box. I will be doing aa similar video on streamers in the future as well. Thanks for watching and tight lines, my friend!
Always look forward to your videos. Relevant, easy to understand, and extremely helpful. I love the concept on the "working box" My question is how many (qty) of each fly do you carry with you at a time on the river typically? How many do you like to have of each fly in the truck? I'm currently working on filling my boxes and sometimes I feel I don't have enough with me on the stream of each combo. Was just curious on your approach. May 2025 bring you many whiskeys!
Thank you, Bill. Appreciate it! I usually carry 6-8 of each of the patterns in different sizes and weights that I feel will cover me for the day. Knowing your water type is helpful. There are some streams with lower flows that I won't use 3.8 beads, so I won't bring them (except maybe a few mops). Or maybe I won't bring size 12s because I don't need them. I use some patterns more than others. I don't tie every pattern in size 20, and not every pattern has a 3.3mm bead, etc... It is hard to type everything out here, but I will be doing a video on this very subject. The best thing to do is think about what patterns you want/need out there in sizes and weights. Make sure you have confidence in these flies. Then carry approx 8 of each. And leave your big box in the truck. You would be surprised how you will see you have more than enough out there. The beauty is if you run out of that one "hot" fly, we usually aren't that far away that you can grab a few more. That box in the truck always has at least one row in a different weight and size. Some have 2 or 3. You will also find out that you really don't lose as many flies as you think you will. Hope this helps.
great video Cory! my question is how do you organize all these different patterns, colors, hook sizes and bead sizes in your box? I feel like I'm overcomplicating and overwhelming myself with trying to weigh every fly I tie and then put it in a specific row with other flies that are that exact weight. Do you ever use lead wire with your nymphs? I do when a video suggests it and I'm left with even more variety in fly weights to stress over hahah if you've got walt's worms in 4 different hook sizes and bead sizes and some that are over weighted and 3 colors of each, how are you keeping track of all this?! appreciate your time, thanks!
From one Cory to another...I appreciate it! There is no need for lead wire. It is kind of an old-school thing. It adds too much bulk and really doesn't add that much extra weight. Keep your bodies thinner and they will sink just fine. I'll do an organization video in the future, but for the time being, I like to keep the same size hooks and weights on the same page (The Fulling Mill box has 4 pages). I sometimes divide a page in half. 1st page...The top are sizes 20s and 18s with 2.0s and the bottom with 20s and 18s with 2.3s. 2nd page- size 16s with 2.3s. 3rd page- the top with size 16 with 2.8s, bottom size 14 with 2.8s. 4th page, the top with size 16 with 3.3s and the bottom with size 14 with 3.3s. I have more than one box because I like to tie. I also use the Orvis slim fly boxes and will use those the same way. I'll devote one box to size and weights and also pattern/patterns. I have other boxes with just Stone Ponies. Others for Mops, squirmies, etc...Another for attractors. Another for heavy size 12 flies. I pull flies out of these boxes as needed and put them in a "working box" to bring on the stream (which is my C&F chest box). I'll do something in the future that is more detailed, but organizing the way that works for you is key. Hope this helps.
This is awsome! Thanks so much! A buddy of mine were just talking yesterday about, I wish I knew the handful of flys that we should tie to stop the shotgun approach and then this video came up this morning! Thanks so much! One question, do you mean to pair the 18 hook with 2.3 bead, 16 hook with 2.8 bead and 14 with 3.3 bead or do you mean tie say a 18 hook with all 3 sizes of bead and 16 and 14 with all three sizes? Again….Thanks so much!
Glad it is helpful, Steve! This is how I do bead sizes (I have just put this in the pinned comment) 20s and 18s: 2-2.3 (some 2.8s) 16s: 2.3-2.8 (some 3.3s). 14s: 2.8-3.3 12s- 3.3-3.8. When I oversize. I do it with a Walt's Worm, especially when I oversize a bead on 18s (2.8) and 16s (3.3). I also oversize a lot of size 16 perdigons to a 3.3.
HI Cory: I feel like a lurker, having watched ALL of your vids (most several times) and not having reached out to thank you before now (I do Like & Subscribe!).I can't thank you enough, sincerely, for being modest and open and generous with your time and talents. Thank you. Quick question: I've yet to tie a fly, and wonder what you would suggest as a first investment into a fly-tying setup. I mostly Euro Nymph and don't see tying a lot of spectacular dry flies (if that affects your suggestion). I just don't want to limit myself with too rudimentary a set up, but don't want to overspend buying something that I won't use based on the types of flies (mostly like yours outlined here) I'll be tying. Thanks in advance for your recommendations. Peace and holiday blessing to you and yours this holiday!
Hey Jeff. Haha-appreciate you lurking! Glad you have enjoyed the channel and happy to help. I would watch this video here. I feel it can help: th-cam.com/video/txOvJ9tPfBQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4rsRtEbh8RmgzFpx Start out tying the Walt's worm and get really good at it. This will serve you well for all other flies. Learn to tie a perdigon. This will help with thread control. Every great fly we tie boils down to controlling all the materials we use. Less is more. Hope this helps and good luck with your tying. Happy Holidays to you and yours, as well!
@@OldDominionTroutBum Thanks for getting back to me Cory. I'd forgotten about the vid you link to -- lots of good recos in there. I truly appreciate all you do for the sport and the fly fishing community! Tight lines!
Hi Corey Can u tell me what specific hooks you’re using for the jack daniels. It seems like for one company a 16 is bigger than another’s. The size of hooks seems to vary quite a bit through the industry. Would love to know what the exact hook you use for jack Daniel’s and olive peridons. Thanks again for all the videos and help. Best Dave
Hi Dave. If you look at my pinned comment at the top, I think it will be helpful. I prefer Hanak 400 and Dohiku 302 for jig hooks. Hanak 230 and Dohiku 303 and 644 for straight hooks. Most manufacturers make great hooks, but the sizing is key. Use the Hanak 400 as your base for sizing. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
Corey. Great Video!! Awesome information. Question for you, I have been euro nymphing for about 2 years now, but haven’t tied my own flies and seems a bit overwhelming to begin tying my own. Where would you recommend starting? Equipment and where to purchase materials. Thanks. Scott
Thank you, Scott! I would recommend watching this video here. It will help with your questions: th-cam.com/video/txOvJ9tPfBQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vVZzkOGXSIePkr8Z Also, start tying the Walt's Worm and get really good at it. This will serve you well for other flies. Hope this helps and good luck to you!
Patrick, I use the C&F as a "working box" out on the water. The box I showed in the video is always with me but stays in the truck. I pull out of it as needed.
Corey, great content. When fishing a confidence fly, how long do you keep a fly on vs switching if you aren't catching fish? As a novice to the sport, I have times when i become very hesitant to switch flies out if i previously had success with them, possibly due to the fear that switching could lead to even worse results.
Thanks, Lumis. Before I change flies, I make sure I am casting perfectly and getting perfect drifts. Sometimes, I change weight before the pattern. It is hard to say how long I will go, but after I have fished a few likely looking runs thoroughly (maybe 20 casts with perfect drifts in 2 different runs), I'll start changing flies. Remember, it is fishing, and you shouldn't put pressure on yourself. When we do that, we fish worse than when we are loose. Just re-focus. Make sure you are sticking your cast and getting great drifts. If you are having bad luck, it can't get worse, it can only get better! Sometimes, if things aren't going right, I'll stop and flip some rocks. Look at the bug life. Have a cigar and look at the stream. Then you can realize that you are lucky to be in such a special place. Hope this helps. Good luck to you!
Question for you, at about the 5 minute mark you talk about how for your mayfly nymphs you tie 18, 16 and 14. Then you talk about the size of beads you use 2.3 2.8 and 3.3 beads. So when you are trying jack daniels for example, would you be tying a bunch of size 18 jd's with each of the 3 bead sizes, and then a bunch of size 16 with each of the 3 beads sizes, and then the same for the size 14? If so then you would be tying 9 different combinations of the jd fly 18-2.3, 18-2.8, and 18-3.3 and so on. Or are you tying 18's with the 2.3, 16's with the 2.8, and 14's with a 3.3?
Mark, please look at the video's description. This will help you. Also, please look at my pinned comment at the top. That will help, as well. I appreciate you watching.
Could you elaborate on the kind or brand of hooks and beads you use? I’ve had a lot of trouble getting beads to fit hooks, maybe the eye is too small? The bead always wants to fall right off. Super frustrating
Take a look at my pinned comment at the top. It can help you. In a jig hook, I like the Hanak 400 and Dohiku 302. Straight hooks: Hanak 230 and Dohiku 303 and 644 for Caddis style. Hope this helps.
Great video… one thing I’d like to add if I may: You don’t need any midges ever if you put some egg yarn on a hook. You’ll never have to fish size 20 and smaller nymphs again or 6x tippet😁
Cory, stop with the superb videos. You're leaving yourself very little space to get better. Seriously, this video will help nymph anglers a lot. Thank you. One comment: As you know, hooks sizes vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer (which is why Devin Olsen lists actual hook lengths on his site). When you mention the sizes of your favorite nymphs that you prefer, which hook, specifically, are you referring to?
Haha. Thanks, Alex! Glad you brought up the hook size issue. It is a great question. I'm going to pin this in the video. I base all my hook sizes off of the Hanak 400. In my opinion, that hook really is the standard on what sizes should be. Devin did a great service to everyone by putting measurements with the hooks. It was always a guessing game before. If I look at other manufacturers, I'll look at the measurements and then compare them to the Hanak 400 to get the right size. Appreciate you watching!
The funny thing is that I came to exactly same conclusions after gaining experience 🙂… but if I go back in time and tell my younger self to do that - I would likely dismiss it… so there are certain things that you can ONLY learn the hard way 😉
Amazing what we gain from experience, Dmitri! Great point. If we knew then what we know now. All the mistakes we make are how we learn...as long as we know it is a mistake! Appreciate you watching!
Hey Jack. All my beads are tungsten. They are colored in copper, silver, black nickel, etc.... I prefer copper and silver the most. Hope this helps. I appreciate you watching.
@ thank you for the clarification I want to start tying and am learning what to use. Your videos have been super helpful on learning to euro nymph and tying, I can tell you are passionate and very knowledgeable thank you for sharing!
BM-I would use a size 14--10 olive and/or natural Walt's with a copper bead (if you want to get fancy, add a tail to the Walt's). It will work for you.
Swoosh, the egg isn't a nymph! It is a situational pattern that will be in my box during certain times of the year, but it isn't a "core" pattern for me to build my box around. I'll talk about things like this in a future video. Appreciate you watching!
This is perfect😂, I just started going through my box and trying to simplify and organize it, one question I have, do you tie multiple bead sizes for each hook size? Or just one bead size for each?
Glad it is helpful, Patrick. Yes, I do tie hooks sizes with different bead sizes. 20s and 18s: 2-2.3 (some 2.8s) 16s: 2.3-2.8 (some 3.3s). 14s: 2.8-3.3 12s- 3.3-3.8. When I oversize. I do it with a Walt's Worm, especially when I oversize a bead on 18s (2.8) and 16s (3.3). I also oversize a lot of size 16 perdigons to a size 3.3. Hope this helps.
Jeff, this is for a Nymph box. Once you have your core, you then build around it. I have pinned a comment about this and it is also in my description. Appreciate you watching.
I always have a trusted ant, Alex. But this was for a core nymph box! Here is the ant I love: th-cam.com/video/f8Lhjg_Lw9U/w-d-xo.htmlsi=gDVkTQ6RKr5BwqRj
***These patterns are my confidence flies. You may find other patterns that work great for you. Find the patterns YOU have confidence in and build your box around them. Once you have your core down, you can add attractors, terrestrials, junk flies, and situational bugs.
I base all my hook sizes off of the Hanak 400. In my opinion, that hook really is the standard on what sizes should be. Devin Olsen with Tactical Fly Fisher did a great service to everyone by putting measurements with the hooks. It was always a guessing game before. If I look at other manufacturers, I'll look a the measurements, then compare them to the Hanak 400 to get the right size.
How I use bead sizes:
20s and 18s: 2-2.3 (some 2.8s) 16s: 2.3-2.8 (some 3.3s). 14s: 2.8-3.3 12s- 3.3-3.8. When I oversize, I do it with a Walt's Worm, especially when I oversize a bead on 18s (2.8) and 16s (3.3). I also oversize a lot of size 16 perdigons to a 3.3.
Hope this helps!
That’s super helpful!
@@jimcannon4653 Glad it helps, Jim!
Cory, you're the best.
Hello good sir! I bought some Pezon & Michel line based off your recommendation. It’s the bi-color 0.16mm diameter and about 5lbs test. For some reason it’s looking thinner than I was expecting. Are you using this line as the butt section of your leader or as sighter? Just curious. Thanks a bunch. I love watching your vids!
Thank you, very helpful.
Love this video! I’m your wife and I still learned a ton from this❤. Happy you’re a perfect type A to my type Z! I’d never survive on a river without you. Keep living your dream through your passion. Xo
Thank you, Darlin! I love being the A to your Z. Match made in heaven! I got you on the river and off! Thanks for being my biggest fan!
I appreciate your husband also. I learn so much by watching his drifts. A lot of guys show them catching fish. Corey shows techniques
@@williamblair2934he is as calm and articulate in person as his is in his videos. Thank you for your sweet words!
@@williamblair2934 Thanks so much, William! Glad it has all been helpful. Thanks so much for the comment, and I appreciate you watching!
Hi Kelly, really love your comments about your amazing man who has taught me so much about the finer points of EURO nymphing in particular - I really appreciate him because of his generosity of shared knowledge, clear articulation, and calm focus ...my wife is also supportive of my fly fishing dream and passion but with the Christmas holiday season just around the corner, she has asked if Cory could arrange for Chanel to come out with a range of No.5 Eau de Parfum dry fly sprays that we could share 🤣...cos she doesn't like the action of a new Thomas & Thomas rod that I'd earmarked for 'her' as her (actually my) Xmas gift🎣
Hope you and yours have a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season ...all the best
Cory, another gem of a video. The past 2-3 years I have really focused on the Euro nymphing game. I can honestly say that I have really upped my game, thanks to your videos. At one of our fly tying get togethers, I played your Walts Worm video( with your permission )lol. In my opinion, the new fly tyers, get lost in the sizzle and not the steak. Your videos bend the learning curve and get to the steak. In the last few years, I have had great success with the Walts, the Stone Pony, Jack Daniels(Madison) and the green flash/gasolina perdigon. My suggestion to anyone who wants to really learn Euro Nymphing is to watch your videos. They will learn 3 keys to success: Position,Presentation and Pattern. This video is a great guide to successful Euro nymphing. Your patterns are proven winners for me. Thanks for sharing as always. Tight lines my friend.
Thank you, Frank! SUPER nice of you to say. Glad it has all been helpful! Sizzle vs. Steak-love it! Appreciate the kind comment and hope you are well, my friend. Tight lines to you!
Thanks for the long awaited video on filling a fly box. I’ve been trying to reduce my patterns, because there’s no more room in the box. Your approach is perfect. Thanks for all your suggestions, and great fly patterns. Keep up the good work.
Rich
Hey Rich. Happy the video helped you. Appreciate you watching. Tight lines to you!
I’m a beginner and learn so much from your videos.. thanks
Glad they are helpful, Glen. Good luck to you and tight lines!
Good stuff as always. And yes, I’m definitely guilty of the box full of stuff I never use
Appreciate it, Chris! Clean out that box!! Thanks for watching, my friend!
Absolutely exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and simplifying it for us newer guys.
Awesome, Swoosh. Glad it is helpful! Good luck to you, and tight lines!
Inspiring stuff! Great video-building a confidence fly box is definitely on my to-do list now. I get asked about it all the time, and I can’t believe I’ve never thought of making a video about my own. Thanks for the spark!
Thank you, Dan! Appreciate you watching. Love your channel. Fish on!
Cory, you did it again…another short, but VERY informative video, with great detail and links to everything; truly appreciate you sharing your wisdom with us…now maybe you can do a short video on some of your fav stogies 🚬
Haha...Appreciate it! The stogie video is in the queue! Thanks so much for watching, and glad the channel has been helpful. Tight lines to you!
Thank You for another great video Cory !
Your positive energy and ability to explain things in a simple and effective way and your selflessness is simply unmatched . Great !
Tight lines and Happy upcoming Holidays to You and your Family!
Appreciate it, Sead! Really nice of you to say! Hope you have been well. Tight lines to you and Happy Holidays to you and yours, as well!
Without a doubt, your Jack Daniels (JD) is my No.1 confidence fly/nymph for wild brown trout in the UK (graylings like it too but wild brownies really go for it)...I tie all my own flies these days based on all the tying tips you've shared with us all via your tutorial videos and small, thin, and slim has changed my world..I also tie your JD's using jig-off / tactical tungsten drop beads which look 'right' to my eye and swim well...I tie a light olive version alongside the tan original version...as a general impression size and shape pattern, I can't thank you enough for opening up your box for us Cory.
Looking forward to your 20k subscribers milestone ...season's greetings to you and yours amigo
Love to hear it, TK! Glad the JD is your No.1 ! And I love that you tie it in olive (I do too!). I always appreciate your comments and support! Tight lines to you, my friend.
And season's greetings to you and yours, as well!
Excellent video and excellent advice. Your points make order out of chaos. I had to smile re: the shotgun approach. When I first started tying, I wanted to tie everything under the sun, and I did. Once streamside and carefully studying my enormous library box of effort, out would come the Adams, the Wulff, some version of a hairy caddis, a hopper, an ant, etc. Maybe 10 patterns. Viewers would do well to heed your advice. It’ll end up that way, anyway.
Thanks so much, JT! We all have been there. That's how we learn! Appreciate you watching. Tight lines!
Great up close shots of those flies Cory!
Appreciate it, Todd!
Holy crap Corey…this is the post I wanted and forgot to ask you about!
Haha! I'm glad I did it, Mike! Appreciate you watching!
This is wonderful! I’ve been learning to tie nymphs for the past few weeks with a total ‘shotgun’ approach. You are super helpful and I appreciate that you have the ‘how to’ videos to go along. Time to get tying!
Glad it helps, Rocky! Appreciate you watching. Good luck with your tying!
This is the best, most logical explanation for organizing a nymph box. Excellent work. Thank you. Tight lines.
😊
Thank you, Scott. Appreciate it! Glad it was helpful. Tight lines to you, as well!
Thank you very much! This is one of the most helpful videos I've seen. Would love to see a similar version for dries, streamers, terrestrials, and lack of a better term garbage flies. Thank you so much for the video, this is very helpful!
Glad it is helpful, Caroline! I will be doing similar ones. Next one will be "junk" flies, terrestrials, and attractors. Thanks so much for watching!
Great video!!! I went to the fly shop the next morning and am building the box out.
Thank you, Thomas! Good luck in building your box. Tight lines to you!
This was extremely helpful. Just getting into tying and I've tied quite a few different nymph patterns, but not in quantity. This will really help me narrow down some patterns that I can build out a box with then have a small box of tester patterns. Thanks for sharing!
Happy it helps, Jeremy. Perfect timing for you! Good luck with it and thanks for watching!
Your simple pheasant tail pattern is a great bug! Much appreciated!
Glad it is working for you, Michael. As much as I would love to take credit for the Stupid Simple PT...I can't. It is a Pat Weiss pattern. Pat has some great simple patterns.
Thanks so much for watching!
This video is highly valuable to me!
Thank you for this!!
Glad it helps, Sholom! Appreciate you watching, my friend!
Great Video, Cory! Right to the point, concise and the way a nymph box should be put together!
Thank you, Tony. Appreciate you watching! Tight lines to you!
This is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for!! Thank you, Cory!!!
Awesome, Mike! Glad it is helpful. Good luck and I appreciate you watching!
Absolutely dead on!! Great video needed to be said. Same goes for the dry fly box and wet alike. Thank you for sharing your talents 👍 🪰
Appreciate it, Rod! And you are 100 percent correct-it is the same for all types of flies. Thanks for watching. Tight lines to you!
This ten minute video is priceless
Thank you, Damon. Appreciate you watching!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and video-it’s fantastic! Starting a nymph box feels just as you described: fulfilling yet a bit daunting, especially when I see all the patterns I’ve yet to try. Your guidance is incredibly helpful! I’ve been using capercaillie feathers from hunting, similar to how you’d use pheasant tail feathers, and they work amazingly well for trout here in Norway. I can also confirm that the JD is excellent in Norway-what a great bug!
Glad it is helpful! The capercallie sounds really cool. Love hearing that the JD is working for you in Norway! Good luck with building your box. Tight lines to you. Skal!
Another excellent video Cory. Your videos have helped me tremendously since I’ve started the euro game. Tight lines buddy! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Brett! Glad they have been so helpful to you. Merry Christmas and tight lines to you as well!
Hope you don’t mind if I pick your 🧠. I am the shotgun guy. lol. When tying the bugs you mentioned. Do you tie for example a row of 14s in 3.3 14s in 2.8 14 in 2.3 and so forth. Of course once you get to the smaller hooks like the midges do you stick with 2.8 2.3 2.0? Thanks again Cory.
@@brettrouse3207 I'll do an organization video in the future, but for the time being, I like to keep the same size hooks and weights on the same page (The Fulling Mill box has 4 pages). I sometimes divide a page in half. 1st page...The top are sizes 20s and 18s with 2.0s and the bottom with 20s and 18s with 2.3s. 2nd page- size 16s with 2.3s. 3rd page- the top with size 16 with 2.8s, bottom size 14 with 2.8s. 4th page, the top with size 16 with 3.3s and the bottom with size 14 with 3.3s.
Midges: I usually just tie 20s and 18s with 2.0 and 2.3/2.5 beads.
I have more than one box because I like to tie. I also use the Orvis slim fly boxes and will use those the same way. I'll devote one box to size and weights and also pattern/patterns.
I have other boxes with just Stone Ponies. Others for Mops, squirmies, etc...Another for attractors. Another for heavy size 12 flies.
I pull flies out of these boxes as needed and put them in a "working box" to bring on the stream (which is my C&F chest box).
I'll do something in the future that is more detailed, but organizing the way that works for you is key.
Hope this helps.
@ Thanks Cory. I have 4 of the FM Tactical Boxes. This helps a lot. You are the man.
Couldn’t agree more.. It’s taking a few years to figure that out for me, now I have enough fly tying material for 3 lifetimes!!!
Haha-keep it….there always that chance of needing that one pack of dubbing! Appreciate you watching, Scott!
Thank you for all of your videos and suggestions!!!
Thanks for watching, Kenny. Glad you find the videos helpful!
Fly tying really is a choose your own adventure type of hobby (or sport when it comes to fly fishing), and I'm constantly motivated and amazed by anglers and tyers all over the world, in how they set up a nymph box. When George Daniel's came out with Dynamic Nymphing his box organization made a lot of sense to me personally. And then Devin Olsen pushed that concept further with his meticulous organization by weight and by sink rate.....this is another great conversation about it and seems very practical.
I've used so many different boxes and methods. In general, I always have 1 confidence box. Just a single dedicated box (maybe a tacky fly box or a smaller fulling mill box) with just every day flies and sizes. Then my organizational ideas and production misalign. I have ideas for a local hatch box, a midge and egg box, but those haven't come together yet haha. Next year
I love this hobby and It is always a work in progress! George and Devin are great ones to learn from!
I like to fish with a "working box" full of flies I know I'll be using on that particular day. You stay nice a light and don't bring the kitchen sink with you.
Good luck with bringing it together!
Love it! I consider it a minimalist approach, and agree completely. Have to say I would also highly recommend the Blowtorch, it has been a game changer for me.
Thank you, Thomas! I do love the Blowtorch, as well. It's a great bug. For me, I would consider that an attractor pattern and not a "core" nymph pattern to build my box around. I put the BT in my lineup when I fish certain waters, but not all. I'll talk about that in another video. As long as it is your confidence fly and works where you fish is all that matters. Appreciate you watching!
Always enjoy your input! I have way to many bugs in my boxes and need a better system for sure.
Hey Dennis. Glad you enjoy it and happy it helps! Appreciate you watching. Tight lines!
Always the best! Nuff said.
Thank you, Pete. Appreciate it!
Back in October I lost a box of flies while fishing the Arkansas and rather than get pissed, I got a big smile thinking I'd get to tie a lot of the flies that have worked for me globally over the past year. After watching this video, I'd say I have great taste and for sure I'd of never discovered the Jack Daniels or emphasized Walt's Worm enough in my box if it wasn't for your videos - so thank you so much! As well, when you travel, you don't want to run out of the bugs that work, so tying a lot in different sizes and weights is sage advice. Another terrific and insightful video that sets you apart.
Excellent attitude, JJ! Your loss is just going to make everything better now! Glad to hear the JD is working for you, and the videos have been helpful. Appreciate you watching. Have fun tying up that new box. Tight lines!
Great video and good info for beginners. Would love to see similar videos for wet flies and dry flies
Thanks, James! I'll be doing a video for dries in the future (but not wets- I'm not a big wet fly guy). Appreciate you watching!
As always, very helpful Cory. I'll adjust my preparations to be more focused.
Glad it is helpful, Michael. Good luck and tight lines to you!
Awesome video. So true we go in a fly shop and see bins of fly patterns and suddenly the box is full. But as you describe we go to the river and tie on our favorites.
Thank you, Chuck! Right on...we all love our favorites! Appreciate you watching. Tight lines to you!
Great advice as always Cory… thank you!
Glad it was helpful, Philip! Thanks for watching!
Great video as always Cory.. you are so correct with the rifeled approach 👍I see it here on the rivers in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧🏴 people with thousands of flies on the river bank, more weight to carry and 95% of them are tied up to catch the anglers and not the fish 😂 keep up the tremendous work. Looking forward to your new season videos. Tight lines. Seasons greetings to you and your family 🏴🎄🍗Mark, North Wales 🏴
Appreciate it, Mark! Amazing how much nicer it is out on the water with less weight! So true...flies have that "bin appeal" for the angler. Thanks so much for watching. Seasons greetings to you and yours, as well. Tight lines, mate!
Yep. Those are my main flies since I've been watching your videos, especially the Waltz Worm. Haven't been tying a lot of Jack Daniels since I didn't have a materials clamp, but now I got one. Perhaps it will be my number one next season. My home waters have a lot of deep fast pools so I have a few rows of 4mm flies.
Glad you have some of these for your main flies, NFF! The JD is a fish catcher, so you'll like it in your box. Always good to have some bombs for those deep, fast pools. Thanks so much for watching!
As always Corey great information thank you my friend
Appreciate you watching, Mike! Tight lines to you!
Kudos on your Jack Daniels. I know in some other videos you’ve done you mentioned tying a Walt’s with a metallic pink bead. One of my best producers in North GA and NC is the Jack Daniels with a metallic pink bead. It slays.
Appreciate, Kevin. Awesome to hear it is working for you with the pink bead. Thanks so much for watching and continued success to you!
I love this video. Perfect!
Glad it is helpful. Appreciate you watching!
Excellent breakdown. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Derrick! Appreciate you watching!
Great tips in there…well done.
Thanks, MO! Appreciate you watching!
Go with confidence flies! I’m a nerd, so I keep track of how many fish I got for the year and what I catch them on. Quilldigons, Pheasant Tails, and Eggs accounted for 1,099 out of my 1,285 fish this year, so those 3 patterns caught almost 86% of my fish. I’m gonna organize my box up this winter and tie a bunch of those, because those are my primary best flies. No need to switch it up when you got a system down! Great video 👍🎣
Right on, SCYCO! All about the confidence! Love how you track them. Makes building your box EASY. Continued success to you. Appreciate you watching!
Should’ve watched this before going my out today haha. My fly box was looking like a box of chocolates instead😂 i hit up the spot i commented about on your esopus video. P.s. your fly tying videos are one of a kind, would love to see some more! Cheers
Haha-that does make it tough to choose when it looks like that, Gus! Hope that spot was good to you. Appreciate the comment about my tying videos. I'll have more coming in the near future. Thanks for watching!
Bravo nice indications, merryxmass from Italy
Grazie, Marco! Merry Christmas to you, as well! Appreciate you watching. Salute!
Thanks Cory! I try to do more of this with my tying although my fulling mill tactical box has a bunch of different patterns. I would say my 4 most used and tied patterns are walts,frenchies along with gasolina and rainbow warrior perdigons.
Those 4 patterns sound like winners, Dale! I appreciate you watching, my friend. Hope this fall has been good to you!
Hi Cory, I continue to be a fan. Great tutorial. I noticed that you do talk about unweighted midges. There seems to be a lot of tutorials on line for these. Fly Fish Food does several. Do you have any opinions or suggestions about them?
Appreciate it, Michael. I like to have weight in my flies. On a tiny midge, I'll use a 1.5 or 2mm bead. Even if you use an indicator, I think it beats using a split shot. They will certainly work with no weight, but for my style, I feel it works best with weight. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
Another great video. Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate it, Richard. Thanks for watching, and tight lines!
I have been tying your Jack Daniels formula for about a month and I love it! I say your formula, because you taught me to stay consistent and not bulk build my flies. I'm a sucker for good looking consistent built flies! I'm new to tying and have only been tying for about 6 months now.
Happy to hear it, Mark. Good looking flies give you more confidence! Thanks so much for watching, and continued success with your tying!
Enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting. I pretty much tie all the flies you mentioned. Your Jack Daniel has been a real fish catcher for me and a number of friends of mine. In addition, to the ones you noted, I've had good luck with Devin Olsen's Crossover Nymph and the Plastique Frenchie from Hackles & Wings. Both are posted on TH-cam. The latter is an interesting fly. It's super easy to tie to start with. It has no taper and the tail looks crooked. It's been one of my most consistent producers. It makes you wonder just how elaborate our flies need to be in order to get fish to take them...
Thank you, Frank! Glad the JD has been a fish catcher for you. I am familiar with Devin's Crossover...it is a good one. I'll check out the Plastique Frenchie. Sounds interesting. Appreciate you watching. Tight lines to you!
schmoonkie, Tks for mentioning the Crossover & Plastique. I thought I'd seen every Euro style fly out there, but I missed these two. They are now noted.
Another very helpful video. I start with pheasant tail , hares ear with difference hooks and beans .
Thank you, AA. You can't beat the two flies you mentioned. It is the perfect place to start. Appreciate you watching!
@OldDominionTroutBum Thanks for answering, lets see more tying videos from you. Maybe some indicator fly for low clean water 🙂👍
@@AAngelovO I'll be having some tying videos coming soon! And I think you'll like a dry I have for that type of water.
Excellent explanation, it is good to have an organized box, a few varied patterns of color and size than a hundred patterns in a thousand different ways. Curious how the falangista goes so far, I use it for both perdigon and dry fly for dropper, it is a pattern that never fails. Greetings from Spain
Gracious, Lacuna. An organized box is a good box! The Falangista is a top producer for me. Just love that perdigon. The Spanish did a great service to fly fishing! Tight lines to you. Salud!
This was the most helpful video yet for me on this topic! Super concise and informative! I’ve been wanting to get into tying my own flies but have been intimidated. Very helpful - thank you! Is there a kit and/or vice you would recommend for tying these flies? Something well built that will be long lasting. Thanks again! Alan
Happy it is helpful, Alan! Watch this video here. I think it can help you get started:
th-cam.com/video/txOvJ9tPfBQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=cObSqcMUlzWIGEUo
Also, pick a couple of flies to start with (a Walt's being the first). Get really good at tying them. Perfect them. Then start expanding. Good luck to you!
Another great video! Thanks Cory. Will you be in Doswell in a few weeks?
Appreciate it, Eric! Thanks for watching. I'm not sure yet about the show...I may be out of town (fishing!!).
@ I’m planning on going down for the show. If you’re down there I’ll look for you. But if you have to miss it, fishing is a good reason!
Great video!
Thank you, Thomas! Appreciate you watching!
Another great video 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you, John! Appreciate you watching.
I use a modified Jack Daniels everywhere I go in Oregon. Killer fly.
Awesome, Mat. Glad it has been working for you! Appreciate you letting me know!
Great advice. What type of hooks and bead colors do you prefer for each type of fly you are tying?
I'm glad it's helpful, George! I prefer mostly copper and silver, with an occasional metallic pink on a Walt's. The bead colors are listed in the descriptions of each video I linked.
This is an excellent video. The amount and types of nymphs you can tie is mind boggling and thinking about it can really bog people down. My feeling is that lots of flies are meant for catching fly fishers in addition to fish. Thanks for making it.
Can you do a similar ones on:
1) jig streamers
2) ‘junk’ flies (squirmies, mops, eggs, etc.)
Thank you, Westside. I agree with flies catching fisherman...aka, " bin appeal".
I'll be doing videos like that in the near future. Thanks for watching.
@@OldDominionTroutBum Thanks.
Great and informative piece. Will be tying some of your JDs. Lately I have been having great success with "beadless" nymphs. Have you been fishing any nymphs without beads?
Thank you, Ed. I know the JD will be good to you. I don't have beadless (not opposed to them at all). But for my fishing, I like the weight in them. I'll go down to a 1.5mm bead for the light ones. Appreciate you watching!
Hey Cory, Great video, advice and fly choices. Would love to hear your view, similar video on dry's. The one nymph I would add that is a consistent work horse out here in the west is a Duracell.
Thank you, Gabe. I'll be doing a similar dry fly video in the future. And the Duracell is definitely a great bug. Appreciate you watching. Tight lines to you.
I just subscribed and made a detailed list with screenshots, so I’ll know if hat to look for when shopping. Do you have a recommendation on where to purchase flies, for guys like me who haven’t started tying flies?
Thanks for the sub, Darryl! You can get a lot of these flies through Fulling Mill. If you want the Jack Daniel's, Fleeger's Flies does a great job.
Reminds me of Troutbitten's pod on confidence flies, and this is just as great, so I really appreciate it. What is that red fly box with the turning page? Thanks for everything
Thanks, Josh! It is a Fulling Mill Tactical Fly Box. Appreciate you watching!
I agree Cory When you have to many flies in your box you spend more time deciding than fishing Stay safe
Right on, Snook. Spending more time fishing means more fun! Tight lines to you.
Fantastic vid! Took up fly fishing last summer and it’s truly been quite the experience… now tying my own flies and learning a bit more everyday. Really found your past video about ‘adjustable tags’ very useful for the dry dropper rigs (can’t exactly remember what you titled the vid but you must know what I’m referring to). Are the nymphs in this vid tailored mainly towards euro nymphing, or could they be applied to standard rigs as well? Tight lines my friend
Thank you, Bradley. I'm glad you found the channel helpful. These nymphs are tailored to euro nymphing, but they can easily be used with an indicator. Your weight will be in the fly, and no split shot is required. I hope this helps. Good luck with your fly fishing and tying experience. Tight lines!
Link to that box would be fantastic !!
It is a Fulling Mill Tactical Max Fly Box. Appreciate you watching.
Excellent info, bead colors? Silver and Copper, others?
Ron
Thanks, Ron. I prefer both silver and copper on most of my bugs. But I do like a metallic light pink bead on a Walt's, and I will tie some simple Olive perdigons with some black nickel beads. Thanks for watching.
I would agree to this focused approach- so are you 'euro-nymphing' then with the flies being tied on these jig hooks? thanks for sharing!
I am a euro nympher, but I use straight nymph hooks, as well. Even if you don't euro nymph, all of these flies can be tied without beads, even the perdigons. Appreciate you watching!
You should get commission on that Jack Daniel’s Cory 😂 ! Great informative video and for those who follow you probably have and are using most of these patterns already! I like to incorporate a new pattern now and then , and if it works well , I’ll add it to my arsenal! I see in this video you don’t talk about micro jigs and streamers, is that discussion for another video perhaps? Tight lines buddy!
Haha! Thanks, Tony!
That's definitely how to do it right. Make a new fly earn its way into your box. I will be doing aa similar video on streamers in the future as well. Thanks for watching and tight lines, my friend!
Always look forward to your videos. Relevant, easy to understand, and extremely helpful. I love the concept on the "working box" My question is how many (qty) of each fly do you carry with you at a time on the river typically? How many do you like to have of each fly in the truck? I'm currently working on filling my boxes and sometimes I feel I don't have enough with me on the stream of each combo. Was just curious on your approach. May 2025 bring you many whiskeys!
Thank you, Bill. Appreciate it! I usually carry 6-8 of each of the patterns in different sizes and weights that I feel will cover me for the day. Knowing your water type is helpful. There are some streams with lower flows that I won't use 3.8 beads, so I won't bring them (except maybe a few mops). Or maybe I won't bring size 12s because I don't need them. I use some patterns more than others. I don't tie every pattern in size 20, and not every pattern has a 3.3mm bead, etc... It is hard to type everything out here, but I will be doing a video on this very subject.
The best thing to do is think about what patterns you want/need out there in sizes and weights. Make sure you have confidence in these flies. Then carry approx 8 of each. And leave your big box in the truck. You would be surprised how you will see you have more than enough out there. The beauty is if you run out of that one "hot" fly, we usually aren't that far away that you can grab a few more. That box in the truck always has at least one row in a different weight and size. Some have 2 or 3. You will also find out that you really don't lose as many flies as you think you will.
Hope this helps.
The Pope will soon decree Corey as the Patron Saint of Fly Fishing.
Haha...Nice of you to say, Beaker! Always nice to be on the Big guy's good side!
great video Cory! my question is how do you organize all these different patterns, colors, hook sizes and bead sizes in your box? I feel like I'm overcomplicating and overwhelming myself with trying to weigh every fly I tie and then put it in a specific row with other flies that are that exact weight. Do you ever use lead wire with your nymphs? I do when a video suggests it and I'm left with even more variety in fly weights to stress over hahah if you've got walt's worms in 4 different hook sizes and bead sizes and some that are over weighted and 3 colors of each, how are you keeping track of all this?! appreciate your time, thanks!
From one Cory to another...I appreciate it!
There is no need for lead wire. It is kind of an old-school thing. It adds too much bulk and really doesn't add that much extra weight. Keep your bodies thinner and they will sink just fine.
I'll do an organization video in the future, but for the time being, I like to keep the same size hooks and weights on the same page (The Fulling Mill box has 4 pages). I sometimes divide a page in half. 1st page...The top are sizes 20s and 18s with 2.0s and the bottom with 20s and 18s with 2.3s. 2nd page- size 16s with 2.3s. 3rd page- the top with size 16 with 2.8s, bottom size 14 with 2.8s. 4th page, the top with size 16 with 3.3s and the bottom with size 14 with 3.3s.
I have more than one box because I like to tie. I also use the Orvis slim fly boxes and will use those the same way. I'll devote one box to size and weights and also pattern/patterns.
I have other boxes with just Stone Ponies. Others for Mops, squirmies, etc...Another for attractors. Another for heavy size 12 flies.
I pull flies out of these boxes as needed and put them in a "working box" to bring on the stream (which is my C&F chest box).
I'll do something in the future that is more detailed, but organizing the way that works for you is key.
Hope this helps.
This is awsome! Thanks so much! A buddy of mine were just talking yesterday about, I wish I knew the handful of flys that we should tie to stop the shotgun approach and then this video came up this morning! Thanks so much! One question, do you mean to pair the 18 hook with 2.3 bead, 16 hook with 2.8 bead and 14 with 3.3 bead or do you mean tie say a 18 hook with all 3 sizes of bead and 16 and 14 with all three sizes? Again….Thanks so much!
Glad it is helpful, Steve! This is how I do bead sizes (I have just put this in the pinned comment)
20s and 18s: 2-2.3 (some 2.8s) 16s: 2.3-2.8 (some 3.3s). 14s: 2.8-3.3 12s- 3.3-3.8. When I oversize. I do it with a Walt's Worm, especially when I oversize a bead on 18s (2.8) and 16s (3.3). I also oversize a lot of size 16 perdigons to a 3.3.
HI Cory: I feel like a lurker, having watched ALL of your vids (most several times) and not having reached out to thank you before now (I do Like & Subscribe!).I can't thank you enough, sincerely, for being modest and open and generous with your time and talents. Thank you. Quick question: I've yet to tie a fly, and wonder what you would suggest as a first investment into a fly-tying setup. I mostly Euro Nymph and don't see tying a lot of spectacular dry flies (if that affects your suggestion). I just don't want to limit myself with too rudimentary a set up, but don't want to overspend buying something that I won't use based on the types of flies (mostly like yours outlined here) I'll be tying. Thanks in advance for your recommendations. Peace and holiday blessing to you and yours this holiday!
Hey Jeff. Haha-appreciate you lurking! Glad you have enjoyed the channel and happy to help.
I would watch this video here. I feel it can help:
th-cam.com/video/txOvJ9tPfBQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4rsRtEbh8RmgzFpx
Start out tying the Walt's worm and get really good at it. This will serve you well for all other flies. Learn to tie a perdigon. This will help with thread control. Every great fly we tie boils down to controlling all the materials we use. Less is more.
Hope this helps and good luck with your tying. Happy Holidays to you and yours, as well!
@@OldDominionTroutBum Thanks for getting back to me Cory. I'd forgotten about the vid you link to -- lots of good recos in there. I truly appreciate all you do for the sport and the fly fishing community! Tight lines!
Hi Corey
Can u tell me what specific hooks you’re using for the jack daniels. It seems like for one company a 16 is bigger than another’s. The size of hooks seems to vary quite a bit through the industry. Would love to know what the exact hook you use for jack Daniel’s and olive peridons. Thanks again for all the videos and help. Best Dave
Hi Dave. If you look at my pinned comment at the top, I think it will be helpful.
I prefer Hanak 400 and Dohiku 302 for jig hooks. Hanak 230 and Dohiku 303 and 644 for straight hooks. Most manufacturers make great hooks, but the sizing is key. Use the Hanak 400 as your base for sizing. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
supper helpful thank you.
Glad it is helpful, Myles. Thanks for watching!
I noticed you had a Ennis Montana sticker hanging on your wall. Is that a good place to stay for fishing the area? I enjoyed the video, great advice.
Ennis is a great place to stay, William! Just love it there. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks so much for watching!
Corey. Great Video!! Awesome information. Question for you, I have been euro nymphing for about 2 years now, but haven’t tied my own flies and seems a bit overwhelming to begin tying my own. Where would you recommend starting? Equipment and where to purchase materials. Thanks. Scott
Thank you, Scott! I would recommend watching this video here. It will help with your questions:
th-cam.com/video/txOvJ9tPfBQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vVZzkOGXSIePkr8Z
Also, start tying the Walt's Worm and get really good at it. This will serve you well for other flies.
Hope this helps and good luck to you!
Thanx very informative
Glad it is helpful, Bryan. Thanks for watching!
Since you've moved to the c&f chest box, where do you keep your fly box these days?
Patrick, I use the C&F as a "working box" out on the water. The box I showed in the video is always with me but stays in the truck. I pull out of it as needed.
Corey, great content. When fishing a confidence fly, how long do you keep a fly on vs switching if you aren't catching fish?
As a novice to the sport, I have times when i become very hesitant to switch flies out if i previously had success with them, possibly due to the fear that switching could lead to even worse results.
Thanks, Lumis. Before I change flies, I make sure I am casting perfectly and getting perfect drifts. Sometimes, I change weight before the pattern. It is hard to say how long I will go, but after I have fished a few likely looking runs thoroughly (maybe 20 casts with perfect drifts in 2 different runs), I'll start changing flies.
Remember, it is fishing, and you shouldn't put pressure on yourself. When we do that, we fish worse than when we are loose. Just re-focus. Make sure you are sticking your cast and getting great drifts. If you are having bad luck, it can't get worse, it can only get better! Sometimes, if things aren't going right, I'll stop and flip some rocks. Look at the bug life. Have a cigar and look at the stream. Then you can realize that you are lucky to be in such a special place.
Hope this helps. Good luck to you!
@@OldDominionTroutBum love the response, will keep it all in mind. Thank you!
Question for you, at about the 5 minute mark you talk about how for your mayfly nymphs you tie 18, 16 and 14. Then you talk about the size of beads you use 2.3 2.8 and 3.3 beads. So when you are trying jack daniels for example, would you be tying a bunch of size 18 jd's with each of the 3 bead sizes, and then a bunch of size 16 with each of the 3 beads sizes, and then the same for the size 14? If so then you would be tying 9 different combinations of the jd fly 18-2.3, 18-2.8, and 18-3.3 and so on. Or are you tying 18's with the 2.3, 16's with the 2.8, and 14's with a 3.3?
Mark, please look at the video's description. This will help you. Also, please look at my pinned comment at the top. That will help, as well. I appreciate you watching.
Could you elaborate on the kind or brand of hooks and beads you use? I’ve had a lot of trouble getting beads to fit hooks, maybe the eye is too small? The bead always wants to fall right off. Super frustrating
Take a look at my pinned comment at the top. It can help you. In a jig hook, I like the Hanak 400 and Dohiku 302. Straight hooks: Hanak 230 and Dohiku 303 and 644 for Caddis style. Hope this helps.
Great video… one thing I’d like to add if I may:
You don’t need any midges ever if you put some egg yarn on a hook. You’ll never have to fish size 20 and smaller nymphs again or 6x tippet😁
Thanks, Ben. Hey, if it works for you, that's all that matters. For me, I get many benefits with 6x and my midges. Appreciate you watching!
Cory, stop with the superb videos. You're leaving yourself very little space to get better. Seriously, this video will help nymph anglers a lot. Thank you. One comment: As you know, hooks sizes vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer (which is why Devin Olsen lists actual hook lengths on his site). When you mention the sizes of your favorite nymphs that you prefer, which hook, specifically, are you referring to?
Haha. Thanks, Alex! Glad you brought up the hook size issue. It is a great question. I'm going to pin this in the video.
I base all my hook sizes off of the Hanak 400. In my opinion, that hook really is the standard on what sizes should be. Devin did a great service to everyone by putting measurements with the hooks. It was always a guessing game before. If I look at other manufacturers, I'll look at the measurements and then compare them to the Hanak 400 to get the right size.
Appreciate you watching!
Do you tie each size with each weight?
Ben, look in the description of the video and you'll see the sizes. In the pinned comment at the top, you will also see weights.
Do you ever use lead wraps
I don't, GS. lead wraps add too much bulk to the fly, and you really don't get that much extra weight.
The funny thing is that I came to exactly same conclusions after gaining experience 🙂… but if I go back in time and tell my younger self to do that - I would likely dismiss it… so there are certain things that you can ONLY learn the hard way 😉
Amazing what we gain from experience, Dmitri! Great point. If we knew then what we know now. All the mistakes we make are how we learn...as long as we know it is a mistake! Appreciate you watching!
It seems like you use mostly copper beads, I have heard a lot of people use tungsten what makes you prefer copper?
Hey Jack. All my beads are tungsten. They are colored in copper, silver, black nickel, etc.... I prefer copper and silver the most. Hope this helps. I appreciate you watching.
@ thank you for the clarification I want to start tying and am learning what to use. Your videos have been super helpful on learning to euro nymph and tying, I can tell you are passionate and very knowledgeable thank you for sharing!
What pattern for green drakes? Thanks.
BM-I would use a size 14--10 olive and/or natural Walt's with a copper bead (if you want to get fancy, add a tail to the Walt's). It will work for you.
Nice👍
Thanks, Jim!
What about eggs? Do you not fish them? Thanks!
Swoosh, the egg isn't a nymph! It is a situational pattern that will be in my box during certain times of the year, but it isn't a "core" pattern for me to build my box around. I'll talk about things like this in a future video.
Appreciate you watching!
This is perfect😂, I just started going through my box and trying to simplify and organize it, one question I have, do you tie multiple bead sizes for each hook size? Or just one bead size for each?
Glad it is helpful, Patrick. Yes, I do tie hooks sizes with different bead sizes.
20s and 18s: 2-2.3 (some 2.8s) 16s: 2.3-2.8 (some 3.3s). 14s: 2.8-3.3 12s- 3.3-3.8. When I oversize. I do it with a Walt's Worm, especially when I oversize a bead on 18s (2.8) and 16s (3.3). I also oversize a lot of size 16 perdigons to a size 3.3.
Hope this helps.
@@OldDominionTroutBumthanks for the info, it helps a lot🙌
Hi Cori
Hey Craig--got your comment on another video. Cheers to you.
Hey! 👋
What's up, Sholom!
No junk flies?
Jeff, this is for a Nymph box. Once you have your core, you then build around it. I have pinned a comment about this and it is also in my description. Appreciate you watching.
No trusted ant pattern? 😉
I always have a trusted ant, Alex. But this was for a core nymph box!
Here is the ant I love:
th-cam.com/video/f8Lhjg_Lw9U/w-d-xo.htmlsi=gDVkTQ6RKr5BwqRj