The nymph previously know as Prince. A great little nymph that every fly fishermen should have in their box, but this time tide with a partridge throat hackle instead of the traditional brown.

As avid fly fishers, we are always on the lookout for the next best fly pattern to try out on the water. While there are many fly patterns out there, some classics have stood the test of time and remain popular among anglers. One such pattern is the Prince Nymph.

Invented by Doug Prince in the 1930s, the Prince Nymph has become a staple in many fly boxes around the world. This versatile pattern can imitate a variety of aquatic insects and is effective in both stillwater and river environments. In this article, I will dive into the history, tying techniques, and fishing strategies for the Prince Nymph, as well as provide tips for purchasing and using this fly.

Prince nymph fly pattern recipe

• Hook: Mustad S60 # 10
• Bead: Silver 3mm bead
• Tying thread: UTC 70 any hot colour
• Under body: Lead wire
• Tail: 2 Goose biots
• Rib: Silver oval tinsel
• Body:  2 strands of Peacock herl
• Antenna: 2 white goose boots
• Hackle: Speckled partridge

How to tie Prince nymph fly

History of the Prince Nymph

Doug Prince, a Colorado fly tyer, created the Prince Nymph in the 1930s. Prince wanted to develop a fly that could imitate a variety of insects and be fished in a variety of water conditions. The Prince Nymph’s design combines features of several insect patterns, including the stonefly, mayfly, and caddisfly.

Prince’s original pattern consisted of a peacock herl body, brown hackle, and white wings. Today, there are many variations of the Prince Nymph, including those with different body materials, bead heads, and rubber legs.

Fishing Strategies

The Prince Nymph can be fished in a variety of ways, including nymphing, dead drifting, and swinging. It is an effective pattern for imitating stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies and can be fished in both stillwater and river environments.

When fishing a Prince Nymph, it is important to pay attention to the water conditions and adjust your fishing strategy accordingly. For example, if fishing in fast-moving water, consider adding weight to your line or using a sinking line to get the fly down to the desired depth. In stillwater environments, the Prince Nymph can be fished under an indicator or with a slow retrieve.