Ken’s March Brown Nymph – Bead Head & Non-Bead Mayfly Nymph

A Catskill and Upper Delaware guide-developed pattern tied by Capt. Ken Tutalo. Designed to imitate the large March Brown mayfly nymph, this is an excellent choice before and during the annual May and early June hatches.

Description

Ken’s March Brown Nymph is a custom pattern developed through years of fishing and guiding New York’s Catskill rivers and Upper Delaware system.

March Browns are among the larger mayflies trout encounter during the spring season. Their nymphs are an important food source before the hatch begins, and trout continue feeding on them as insects become active and move toward the surface.

This pattern was designed to imitate that larger mayfly nymph profile. It is particularly effective in the weeks leading up to the March Brown hatch and throughout the hatch itself, which typically occurs from May into early June in the Catskills and Upper Delaware region.

The pattern is tied in both bead head and traditional non-bead versions, giving you options for different water depths and presentations.

Bead Head or Non-Bead?

Both versions have their place in a well-rounded nymphing setup.

• Bead Head: Use this version when you need additional weight to get the fly down into deeper runs and faster water.

• Non-Bead: A lighter presentation for shallower water or when you want the fly to drift more naturally without additional weight.

How to Fish It

One of Capt. Ken’s favorite presentations is fishing the Bead Head March Brown as the lead fly, with the non-bead version attached on a dropper approximately 12–15 inches behind it.

This combination gives you two presentations of the same natural insect at slightly different depths. It is an excellent setup when trout are feeding on March Brown nymphs throughout the water column.

Capt. Ken’s Guide Tips

Don't wait until you see March Browns on the surface to start fishing the nymph. Trout often feed heavily on these larger insects before the hatch becomes obvious. Fish the pattern in the weeks leading up to the hatch and continue using it as the insects become active.

The two-fly combination of a bead head and non-bead version is a particularly useful way to cover different feeding depths.

Details

• Designed by: Capt. Ken Tutalo

• Pattern: March Brown Mayfly Nymph

• Hook size: #10

• Available styles: Bead Head and Non-Bead

• Available quantities: 3-pack, half dozen, and full dozen

• Mixed selection: Includes 3 Bead Head and 3 Non-Bead March Brown Nymphs

These custom March Brown Nymphs are tied on size #10 hooks to match the larger natural nymphs. Choose your preferred style and quantity from the available options.

A specialized Catskill and Upper Delaware pattern for one of the most important large mayfly hatches of the spring season.