The Stickleback Lure Nymph (Female Version) fishing fly is a highly effective baitfish pattern designed to imitate one of the most important small prey species found around lake margins, weedbeds and river systems. Based on the natural appearance of the female three-spined stickleback, this pattern combines a sleek silver body with understated olive tones to create a convincing small-fish profile that trout and grayling readily recognise as prey.
Its slim, hydrodynamic profile and subtle colour combination make it an excellent alternative to traditional nymphs, particularly when fish are feeding on small baitfish. Whether retrieved through stillwater margins or worked through flowing water, the Female Stickleback Lure Nymph offers a lively, natural presentation that can provoke aggressive predatory takes.
Please Note: This fly pattern features a barbed hook.
Stickleback Lure Nymph (female version) - Proven Scientific Pedigree
Originally tied by Match the Hatch for evolutionary research led by Prof. Carl Smith (University of Lodz), this pattern was developed as part of research investigating trout predation on stickleback populations across the lochs of North Uist, known as the 'Scottish Galápagos'.
The pattern was created to provide researchers with a realistic stickleback imitation when studying real-world trout attacks and predation behaviour. Its development gives this fly an unusual scientific pedigree, while its natural baitfish profile makes it an extremely useful pattern for anglers targeting predatory trout and grayling.
Why Choose The Stickleback Lure Nymph (Female Version)?
Natural Baitfish Profile: Designed around the shape and colouring of the female three-spined stickleback, providing a convincing imitation of a common natural prey item.
Proven Research Pattern: Developed specifically for research into trout predation on sticklebacks, giving the fly a genuine scientific background.
Highly Versatile: Effective in lochs, reservoirs, rivers and streams, whether retrieved through shallow margins or worked through deeper water.
Subtle Natural Colours: The combination of olive, silver and blue provides a realistic appearance without excessive flash, making it particularly useful when trout are focused on natural prey.
Natural Sink Rate: The unweighted construction allows the fly to move naturally through the water, with an attractive swimming action when retrieved.
Secure Hookholds: Tied on a strong Mustad barbed hook to provide confidence when playing hard fighting trout and grayling.
Stickleback Lure Nymph (Female Version) Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
| Tail |
Cock Olive Grizzle |
| Body |
Silver |
| Rib |
Blue Wire |
| Thorax |
Female Stickleback White Hackle |
| Head |
Clear Bead With Black Eyes |
| Hook |
Barbed Mustad Hook |
| Target Species |
Trout & Grayling |
Stickleback Lure Nymph (Female Version) - Fishing Techniques
Loch & Reservoir Fishing: Fish the pattern on a floating or intermediate line around weedbeds, margins and shallow drop-offs. A slow retrieve, figure-of-eight or short strips can imitate a small stickleback moving through the water.
Washing-Line & Dropper Setups: The fly works particularly well as a point or dropper pattern, allowing it to fish naturally beneath or alongside other flies while covering different depths.
River Drift & Retrieve: Cast across or slightly upstream and allow the fly to work through deeper pools, runs and margins. A controlled retrieve at the end of the drift can be particularly effective at triggering predatory trout.
Vary the Retrieve: Sticklebacks are active, darting prey, so don't be afraid to introduce occasional short, sharp pulls between slower retrieves. This can make the fly suddenly accelerate and often provides the trigger for an aggressive take.
