Umpqua Matchstick Quill Jig Nymph Fly

Overview

The Matchstick Quill Jig is a perdigon-style jig nymph from Umpqua built with a stripped peacock quill body. Many perdigons use flashy synthetic bodies, but the quill gives this one natural segmentation and a more subtle look.

It is designed to match the colors and segmented bodies of small mayfly nymphs, and Umpqua lists it for Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) water. A slim, smooth body and a subtle hot spot behind the bead let it sink quickly and work either as a match for the day's nymphs or as a searching fly.

Euro Specs

• Hook: Umpqua Perdi-Jig XC210BL-BN jig hook, barbless.
• Role: Anchor (point) fly in size 12, or upper fly ahead of a heavier point fly.

How to Fish It

• Euro nymphing: fish it on the point or as the upper fly. The slim body cuts through the current on a tight line.
• Indicator rig: use it as the lead fly and trail a smaller BWO nymph or midge.
• Dry-dropper: hang it under a foam dry in riffles and pocket water.
• When to fish it: spring and fall during BWO activity, and any time as a subtle searching nymph.

Choosing Color and Size

Olive matches Baetis and other olive mayfly nymphs. Size 12 is the largest size in the pattern, a good choice for faster, deeper water and as an anchor fly.