Stalcup’s Baetis Nymph

Description

Shane Stalcup’s Baetis nymph is arguably one of the best Baetis nymphs we have ever fished.  It matches the Baetis nymph profile without question.  Stalcup’s Baetis has a very slim profile, dark olive-brown abdomen and dark wing pad.  It is a must-have on any tailwater.

Stalcup’s Baetis nymph works year-round however its greatest importance is in spring and late fall.  Some of the best fishing of the year occurs with tiny Baetis nymphs.  It is important to note that autumn Blue-Winged Olives are one to two sizes smaller than the ones in the spring, so we often carry Baetis nymphs in sizes 18-22 in this pattern.

Fishing Strategies:

When the light is low, typically you will find the nymphs moving around the bottom to feed or relocate.  If there is no evident hatch, fish Stalcup’s Baetis with a lot of weight in the deeper slots and runs.  When the trout become fully engaged on Baetis nymphs you must have the right size, shape and color mayfly nymph because they will ignore any other offering.  At this point, it is time to switch to two Baetis nymphs to increase your odds; other effective patterns are Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, Sparkle Wing RS2, Smith’s Baetis and Chocolate Foam Wing Emergers.

Recipe:

Hook: #20-22 Tiemco 200R
Thread: Olive UTC 70 Denier
Tail: Hungarian Partridge
Abdomen: Olive-Brown D-Rib (small)
Thorax: Olive-Brown Superfine
Legs: Hungarian Partridge
Wing Case: Olive-Brown Medallion Sheeting