Bass Fishing with Nymphs Part 2

Continuing with our bass fishing with nymphs series, this blog is focusing on the Damsel Nymph.

Damsel Olive Nymph

Few subsurface patterns match the versatility of a well-tied damselfly nymph — and this one earns its place in every box. The Damsel Olive Nymph mimics the natural damsel nymph with uncanny accuracy, drawing strikes from trout, bass, and carp in equal measure. Great on the Shenandoah River for smallmouth bass from July to September around the grass beds.  Can be used as a dropper below Murray’s Chugger (Frog) or Shenandoah Blue Popper #4.

How to Fish It

• Work it through grassbeds and brush piles with a slow, darting retrieve to trigger reaction strikes
• Drop it as the bottom fly in a Euro Nymphing rig for tight-line precision in moving water
• Effective with standard nymphing under an indicator — dead-drift or with subtle twitches

Why It Works Year-Round

Damselfly nymphs are present in stillwaters and slow runs throughout every season. This pattern’s olive coloration and lifelike profile keep it productive whether you’re targeting spring bass on the flats or winter trout in tailwaters.

Species: Trout · Bass · Carp

Though Harry Murray recorded this video several years ago, the techniques and strategies he demonstrates remain just as effective on the water today.