Welcome back to Tying Tuesday! This week, Kyle the Jolly Giant is back in the studio crafting one of our favorite flies – the Jack Daniels nymph! This thing fits all the needs of fly anglers – buggy, naughty, just a little bit flashy – and super smooth just like its namesake.
💥 Tie it. Fish it. Love it. #TyingTuesday
Recipe:
• Hook: MFC Tactical Jig Hook
• Bead: Fulling Mill Slotted Tungsten Bead
• Thread: UTC Ultra Thread
• Body Rib: UTC Ultra Wire
• CDC: Hareline Cul De Canard
• Dubbing: Hareline Ice Dub
***Please note, some materials sell out quickly on Tuesdays after a video drops – you can always call Customer Service if you have a question about an alternate material option (720-836-3619)***
Tips & Tricks for Fly Fishing with Jig-Style Nymphs in Colorado Tailwaters During Winter
Winter fly fishing on Colorado’s tailwaters can be highly productive if you dial in your approach. Jig-style nymphs are a deadly choice due to their ability to ride hook point up, reducing snags and mimicking bottom-drifting nymphs with precision. Here’s how to make the most of them this winter:
1️⃣ Downsize Your Tippet & Adjust for Depth
- Use 5X or 6X fluorocarbon tippet to maximize stealth in the clear, cold water.
- Fish lighter-weight jigs (2.5mm-3.5mm tungsten beads) in shallow, slow runs and heavier jigs (4mm+) in deeper pools.
- Set your indicator or Euro nymphing rig to ensure your fly is bouncing just above the bottom.
2️⃣ Go Small & Natural in Bug Selection
- Winter hatches are sparse, so fish nymphs that mimic small midges, baetis (Blue-Winged Olives), and scuds.
- Top Jig Nymphs for Colorado Tailwaters:
- Jig Perdigon (Size 16-20) – Slim, sinks fast, great for deep slots.
- Tungsten Zebra Midge (Size 18-22) – Deadly on picky trout.
- Jig Pheasant Tail (Size 16-20) – Matches baetis and smaller mayflies.
- Euro Walt’s Worm (Size 14-18) – Mimics cased caddis and scuds.
- Hot Spot Jig Nymph (Size 16-20) – Subtle flash triggers reaction strikes.
3️⃣ Slow Down Your Presentation
- Winter trout are sluggish, so focus on slow, natural drifts.
- If using an indicator, make micro adjustments to keep your jig tumbling at the right depth.
- For Euro nymphing, maintain a tight line with minimal movement to detect subtle takes.
4️⃣ Target Soft Water & Transitions
- Look for deep pools, slow tailouts, and edges of seams where fish conserve energy.
- Focus on river bends and structure that create slow, oxygenated feeding lanes.
- Avoid fast riffles—winter trout aren’t chasing like they do in summer.
5️⃣ Watch for Midday Activity
- The best bite window is typically 10 AM – 3 PM when water temps slightly rise.
- Trout may move up in the column to feed on drifting midges and baetis.
- Keep a dry-dropper rig ready if you see fish rising in tailouts.
6️⃣ Stay Stealthy & Be Patient
- Winter water clarity is gin-clear, so move slowly and wear subtle colors.
- Expect light takes—set the hook on any hesitation or slight line movement.
- If you’re not getting bites, adjust your depth before changing flies.
7️⃣ Keep Your Guides Ice-Free
- Apply lip balm, Vaseline, or Stanley’s Ice Off Paste to rod guides to prevent freezing.
- Strip line through your fingers occasionally to remove ice buildup.
8️⃣ Stay Warm & Fish Smart
- Layer up with waterproof gloves, fleece-lined waders, and a good hat.
- Use a hand warmer in your wader pocket to keep fingers nimble for retying flies.
- Bring a thermos of coffee or tea—staying warm keeps you fishing longer.
Final Thoughts
Jig nymphs excel in the winter because they get down fast, ride hook point up, and trigger strikes with subtle movement. Keep your presentation slow, natural, and precise, and you’ll be rewarded with some monster winter tailwater trout.
🎣❄ Tight lines & stay warm out there!
Check out some of our favorite Fly Tying Gear:
- Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
- Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
- Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
- Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
- Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit
