With it being the first day of Spring today, I thought a little March Brown clinger nymph would be appropriate. This is an easy tie that fishes up side down. If you don’t have the Fiery brown stickle dubbing, any other buggy dubbing in the right colour will do. Fish this pattern deep, bouncing it along the river bed…

March brown nymph fly pattern recipe

• Hook: Mustad C49 # 12-18
• Tying thread: Sheer 14/0 Brown
• Weight: Flat lead tape
• Tail: Pheasant tail
• Rib: 0.040 Copper wire
• Abdomen: Fiery Brown Stickle dub
• Wing case: Brown Antron yarn with UV resin
• Thorax: Brown Stickle dub

How to tie March brown nymph

When to Use the March Brown Nymph

The March Brown Nymph is a great pattern to use during the early to mid-spring months when mayflies are hatching. As its name suggests, this pattern imitates the nymph stage of the March Brown mayfly, which is a common hatch during this time of year.

In addition to early spring, the March Brown Nymph can also be effective during the fall months when mayflies are once again hatching. While the timing and intensity of these hatches can vary depending on location and weather conditions, the March Brown Nymph can be a reliable choice during these times.

Where to Use the March Brown Nymph

The March Brown Nymph is most effective when fished in slow to moderate currents in rivers and streams. This pattern is designed to imitate the natural movement and behavior of a nymph as it moves along the bottom of the stream, so it is important to fish it close to the bottom where the natural nymphs are found.

When fishing the March Brown Nymph, look for slower-moving stretches of water, such as deep pools and runs, where the current is not too strong. These areas provide ideal habitat for nymphs and are where you are likely to find feeding fish.

Presentation Tips for the March Brown Nymph

To be successful with the March Brown Nymph, it is important to pay attention to your presentation. As mentioned earlier, this pattern should be fished close to the bottom with a dead drift presentation. This means that the fly should be allowed to float naturally downstream without any drag or tension on the line.

To achieve a dead drift presentation, you may need to adjust your casting position or use specialized casting techniques, such as a reach cast or slack line presentation. It is also important to keep an eye on your line and watch for any subtle movements or twitches, as these can indicate a strike from a feeding fish.

The March Brown Mayfly Life Cycle

The March Brown mayfly, also known as Rhithrogena germanica, is a common mayfly species found in rivers and streams throughout the United States and Europe. Like all mayflies, the March Brown has a unique life cycle that consists of four distinct stages: the egg, nymph, dun, and spinner.

Egg Stage: The March Brown begins its life cycle as an egg, which is typically laid in slow-moving or still water. The eggs are small and oval-shaped, and they typically hatch within a few weeks.

Nymph Stage: After hatching, the March Brown enters the nymph stage, which can last anywhere from several months to several years depending on the species and environmental conditions. During this stage, the nymph lives on the bottom of the stream, where it feeds on algae, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates.

Dun Stage: When the nymph is ready to emerge from the water and transform into an adult, it goes through a process known as a “hatch.” During this process, the nymph sheds its exoskeleton and transforms into a winged dun. The dun is typically lighter in color than the nymph and has a pair of wings that it uses to fly to nearby vegetation.

Spinner Stage: After the dun has had a chance to molt and dry its wings, it takes flight again, this time as a spinner. The spinner is darker in color than the dun and has long, slender wings. Its primary purpose is to mate and lay eggs before dying.

Behavior and Habitat

The March Brown mayfly is most commonly found in cool, clear rivers and streams with moderate to fast currents. It prefers habitats with rocky or gravel bottoms, where it can hide from predators and find food.

During the nymph stage, the March Brown is primarily active at night and spends most of its time on the bottom of the stream. It is a slow-moving and clumsy swimmer, so it relies on its ability to blend in with its surroundings to avoid detection.

As an adult, the March Brown is primarily active during the daytime, with peak activity occurring in the late morning and early afternoon. It is a strong flier and can travel several miles in search of food and mates.

History of the March Brown Nymph Fly Pattern

The March Brown Nymph is a variation of the March Brown, a dry fly pattern that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1800s. The dry fly was named after the March Brown mayfly, which hatches in large numbers in early spring. The March Brown dry fly became a popular choice for trout fishermen, and it remains so to this day.

The March Brown Nymph was developed as a wet fly version of the March Brown dry fly. It was created to imitate the nymph stage of the March Brown mayfly, which is an important food source for trout throughout the year. The March Brown Nymph has since become a popular choice for anglers looking to catch trout, especially in rivers and streams.

Final Thoughts

The March Brown Nymph fly pattern is a versatile and effective fly that can be used in a variety of fishing situations. By understanding when and where to use this pattern, and by paying attention to your presentation, you can maximize your chances of success on the water. With a little practice and patience, you can master this fly pattern and enjoy success on the river.