Split Case PMD Nymph

Description

Mitchell’s Split Case Pale Morning Dun (PMD) nymph is one of our favorite nymphs for imitating emerging Pale Morning Duns.  This PMD nymph has a sparse, segmented body leading up to its hotspot wing case.  The “hotspot” wing case acts like a trigger to fool some of the most selective trout around.  Next time trout are focused on PMD nymphs, tie one on and you will quickly see why it has become our go-to pattern for selective tailwater trout chowing down on PMD nymphs.

Fishing Strategies:

We recommend fishing a Split Case PMD nymph during the summer months when trout are keying on PMD and Sulphur nymphs. You cannot go wrong fishing a two-fly rig consisting of a Split Case PMD with a Mercury Pheasant Tail or another smaller Baetis nymph dropped beneath it.  This tandem set up imitates both Caddis and Baetis, two of the most important food sources during the spring and summer season.  Vary your size depending on the mayfly nymph you want to imitate.  In smaller sizes, it makes a great dropper in a dry-dropper rig with a a Chubby Chernobyl as the lead fly!

Recipe:

Hook: #16-18 Tiemco 100
Bead: Silver (tungsten)
Thread: Dark Brown UTC 70 Denier
Tail: Wood duck flank
Abdomen: Pheasant Tail Fibers
Rib: UTC Ultra Wire, Copper
Thorax: Chocolate Dubbing
Legs: Wood duck flank
Wing Case: Yellow closed-cell foam, two black turkey biots