Bead Head Prince Nymph Fly | Prince Nymph Fly

The Prince Nymph is Easily ranked one of the top 10 fly fishing nymphs of all time.  It shares this ranking with the Hare's Ear, the Copper John, and the Pheasant Tail. The Prince Nymph's very defined profile is unmistakable and many different specifies of fish take the fly.

Most anglers fish the prince nymph in fast water as a stonefly imitation.  The nymph is used as an attractor fly and can be used in ponds, streams, rivers, and lakes in both cold and warm water environments. 

Pond and lake fisherman will use the Prince Nymph for a variety of pan fish species.  The brass bead and peacock provide a sparkle in still water that will often attract a strike.  I’ve personally use the Prince in ponds for Bream and Sunfish and they tend to strike the Prince Nymph aggressively.

Steam and river anglers use this Nymph in a variety of water conditions when fishing for trout.  From clear to stained water, the fly produces well.  I prefer the beaded variety, so the fly sinks in the water column.  The brass bead tends to sparkle in the water which draws attention to it.  Often the Prince Nymph is used as part of a two-nymph rig with the fly being in either position.  I’ve even used the fly on a three-nymph rig when fishing for trout in really deep holes.

The fly was originally created by Doug Prince of Oakland California during the 1930's.  The body of the original Prince was tied with black ostrich herl, today it is tied with Peacock herl and wrapped with a lead wire.

Popular sizes of the Prince Nymph are from #12 - #18 with the #14 being the most popular size.