Frenchie
Imitates: Generic mayfly nymph with a hot-spot trigger
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #14-18
- Best Season
- Year-round
- Best Conditions
- Riffles, runs, Euro-nymphing rigs, competition water
- Water Temp
- 40-65°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 5X fluorocarbon
How to Rig It
Point fly on a Euro-nymph rig with a smaller dropper 18" up. Or under an indicator with split shot.
How to Present It
Tight-line nymph through riffles and pocket water. The hot pink collar is the trigger — keep it visible.
Why It Works
It's a Pheasant Tail with a hot pink collar. The natural profile fools picky fish; the pink hot-spot draws the strike. Lance Egan won World Fly Fishing Championships on this fly.
History
French competition anglers added a fluorescent collar to a standard pheasant tail in the 2000s. Lance Egan brought it to the U.S. and dominated the FIPS-Mouche circuit with it.
Pro Tip
Carry pink, chartreuse, and orange collars. If trout refuse pink in clear water, swap to UV chartreuse — it cuts through glare on bright days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Frenchie and a Pheasant Tail?+
A Frenchie is a Pheasant Tail with a fluorescent (usually hot pink) hot-spot dubbing collar behind the bead. The hot-spot triggers reaction strikes.
What hook for a Frenchie?+
A jig-style competition hook with a slotted tungsten bead. The jig profile rides hook-up and snags less on the bottom.
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