Pearl Jam

Description

The Pearl Jam is a South Platte favorite invented by Bob Dye over ten years ago.  It consistently fools selective, hard-fished tailwater trout across the west.  Much of this patterns success stems from the peacock glass bead and thin light-colored profile.  The Pearl Jam is an excellent attractor in a tandem nymphing rig.  We often trail Black Beauties and Top Secret Midges off this pattern during the height of a midge emergence. It has quickly become one of our go-to patterns on South Platte, Farmington and South Holston.

Fishing Strategies:

We typically fish a Pearl Jam as an attractor in a two-fly nymphing setup.  We recommend dropping a mayfly emerger below it to imitate the two most important food groups found in tailwater fisheries: midges and mayflies.  If trout are keying on midges, trail another midge pattern, preferably a midge pupa.  Some of our favorite droppers include Black Beauties, Manhattan Midges, Top Secret Midges, or a smaller mayfly nymph pattern.

Recipe:

Hook: #18-20 Tiemco 2487
Bead: Peacock, glass bead (extra small)
Thread: White UTC 70 Denier
Abdomen: Midge Diamond Braid