Description
 Beadhead Tellico Nymph
The Beadhead Tellico Nymph is a modern twist on the classic Tellico Nymph, a fly pattern designed to imitate stonefly nymphs and other large aquatic insects. The addition of a beadhead enhances its effectiveness by adding weight for deeper drift and a touch of flash to attract fish. This fly is particularly popular in trout streams across the Southeastern United States but works well in various conditions worldwide.
Features of the Beadhead Tellico Nymph:
- Beadhead:
- Typically gold or brass, the bead provides weight to sink the fly quickly and adds a bit of sparkle to draw attention in moving water.
- Body:
- Made from yellow dubbing or floss, sometimes mixed with a touch of sparkle to imitate the vibrant abdomen of stonefly nymphs.
- Ribbing:
- Fine copper or gold wire reinforces the body and provides segmentation, enhancing the natural look of the Beadhead Tellico Nymph.
- Thorax:
- A darker, more textured dubbing material contrasts with the yellow body to mimic the bulk of a stonefly’s thorax.
- Hackle or Legs:
- Soft hen or partridge fibers simulate the legs of an aquatic insect, providing movement in the water.
- Tail:
- Sparse pheasant tail or turkey fibers suggest the tails of stonefly nymphs.
Fishing Techniques:
- Dead Drift:
- Cast upstream and let the fly drift naturally with the current. Adding split shot above the fly or using a heavier leader can help reach deeper pools.
- Indicator Nymphing:
- Pair the Beadhead Tellico Nymph with a strike indicator to maintain depth and detect subtle strikes.
- Dropper Setup:
- Use as the bottom fly in a two-fly rig, with a dry fly or emerger above to cover multiple depths.
- Euro Nymphing:
- Ideal for tight-line techniques where precision depth control is key.
Best Conditions:
- Rivers and Streams:
- The Beadhead Tellico Nymph is particularly effective in clear, fast-flowing water where stoneflies are prevalent.
- During High Water:
- After rain or snowmelt, fish often stay near the bottom, making this weighted pattern perfect.
- Spring and Fall:
- These seasons see increased stonefly activity, aligning well with the fly’s design.
Beadhead Tellico Nymph Pro Tips:
- Match the hook size (usually #10–#20) to the stonefly species or size of insects in your local waters.
- Use a fluorocarbon leader for better sinking and less visibility in clear water.
- Experiment with bead colors like black or copper for varying water conditions.
Usually available in the following color variations: Orange | Yellow
Usually available in the following hook sizes: 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20








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