Umpqua Mercer's Jiggy Micro May Tungsten Fly

Overview

The Jiggy Micro May is Mike Mercer's jig-hook variation on his Micro Mayfly nymph.

Mercer added features popular in perdigon-style nymphs and a tungsten bead so it sinks quickly, and tied it on a jig hook so it rides point up. It imitates small mayfly nymphs, especially Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis). Mercer calls it deadly fished Euro style or under an indicator.

Euro Specs

• Bead: Tungsten.
• Hook: Jig hook, rides point up.
• Role: Dropper or upper fly in a Euro rig; point fly in slow, shallow water.

How to Fish It

• Euro nymphing: fish it as the upper fly 18 to 20 inches above a heavier point fly.
• Under an indicator: trail it behind a larger nymph on 6X.
• Dry-dropper: hang it under a small foam dry or parachute in riffles.
• Timing: fish it before and during BWO hatches in spring and fall.

Choosing Color and Size

Pheasant Tail is the natural, all-purpose mayfly nymph color. Size 18 matches typical Baetis nymphs.