| Bead Size (mm & in) | Hook Size | Common Fly Patterns |
| 1.5mm | 1/16″ | 20-24 | Small Emergers, Midges |
| 2.0mm | 5/64″ | 18-22 | Small Perdigons, Small Nymphs |
| 2.3mm | 3/32″ | 16-20 | Mayfly Nymphs, Mr. Rapidan Bead Head, Perdigons |
| 2.8mm | 7/64″ | 14-16 | Jig Head Nymphs, Mr. Rapidan Bead Head, Perdigons |
| 3.2mm | 1/8″ | 12-16 | Perdigons, Euronymphing Patterns |
| 3.8mm | 5/32″ | 10-12 | Stonefly Nymphs, BH Marauder |
| 4.0mm | 5/32″ | 8-10 | BH Marauder, Larger Nymphs |
| 4.6mm | 3/16″ | 6-8 | BH Streamers, Large Nymphs |
| 5.0mm | 23/64″ | 4-6 | Jig Patterns for Bass, |
| 5.5mm | 7/32 | 2-4 and > | Crayfish Patterns, Jig Patterns for Bass |
| 6.0mm | 1/4″ | 1/0-4 and > | Articulated Patters, Crayfish, Heavy Streamers |
The hooks that an actual bead will fit varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. This chart indicates the most suitable bead size for a given fly size we have found.
Choosing the right bead size for your fly patterns doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. If you’ve ever sat at the tying bench wondering whether that 2.8 mm bead will crowd the hook eye—or if a 3.3 mm bead will finally give your nymph the weight it needs—you’re not alone. Every fly tier has been there. That’s exactly why we put together this General Bead Size for Hooks chart: to give you a simple, dependable reference you can trust.
Bead Appearance
A properly matched bead and hook do more than just “look right.” They control how your fly rides in the water, how fast it sinks, and how balanced it feels as it drifts through a run. Too big of a bead and the fly can look bulky or unnatural. Too small, and your pattern may struggle to get into the strike zone—especially in faster water. Getting that pairing just right is one of those small details that really boosts your success on the water.
Different finishes—gold, copper, black nickel, tungsten—add personality and weight to your fly, but the bead-to-hook size relationship stays fairly consistent. Having a chart handy saves time and helps keep your tying efficient and frustration-free. Whether you’re whipping up a dozen Perdigons or restocking your Copper Johns before a big trip, a reliable size reference makes life at the vise a whole lot easier.
Here at Murray’s Fly Shop, we tie and fish these flies ourselves, so we know how helpful a quick, accurate guide can be. This updated chart reflects the bead sizes and hook sizes we—and most anglers—use every day.
Next time you sit down to tie, keep this chart nearby. With the right bead-to-hook pairing, your flies will sink better, look better, and fish better. Give us a call if you have any questions, 540-984-4212
Happy tying, and may your next drift be a good one!
