Ken’s Tungsten Bead Flash Nymph – Bead Head Trout Nymph

A productive guide fly designed by Capt. Ken Tutalo. Don't let its understated appearance fool you—this is one of those patterns that consistently earns its place in a guide's fly box. Designed to imitate mayfly and caddis nymphs during the important transition toward the surface.

Description

Ken’s Tungsten Bead Flash Nymph is a versatile pattern developed through years of fishing and guiding. It may not look like much in a product photograph, but this fly really fishes!

The pattern is designed to represent aquatic insects during the transitional stage when nymphs are leaving the bottom and moving toward the surface to emerge. This is an important feeding opportunity for trout, and fish often key in on these vulnerable insects.

The fly is equally effective as a mayfly or caddisfly imitation. Its subtle flash adds just enough attraction without overpowering the natural appearance. The tungsten bead helps it get down into the feeding zone and makes it a useful choice for a variety of nymphing situations.

We've included wet photographs of the Light, Dark, and Olive versions to show how these patterns look underwater. This gives you a better idea of their actual appearance when fishing.

Available Colors and Sizes

• Light (Sulfur): A good choice when trout are feeding on lighter mayfly nymphs and emerging insects.

• Dark (Caddis): A darker option for caddis activity and a variety of natural nymph presentations.

• Olive: A versatile color for imitating numerous aquatic insects.

Available in sizes #16 and #18.

Why Fish Ken’s Tungsten Bead Flash Nymph?

• Guide-designed pattern: Developed by Capt. Ken Tutalo through practical fishing experience.

• Tungsten bead: Helps the fly reach feeding trout quickly.

• Subtle flash: Adds attraction while maintaining a natural underwater appearance.

• Versatile imitation: Effective for both mayfly and caddisfly activity.

• Emergence-stage presentation: Designed to imitate insects moving from the bottom toward the surface.

How to Fish It

Fish this pattern as part of a nymph rig through feeding lanes, seams, and current transitions. It works well as a point fly or as part of a multi-fly setup.

Adjust your depth and drift to keep the fly moving naturally through the water column. Pay particular attention when trout are feeding below the surface but are no longer focused exclusively on insects near the bottom.

Capt. Ken’s Guide Tips

When trout are feeding on emerging insects, fishing only standard bottom-hugging nymphs can mean missing some of the action. I designed this fly to imitate that transitional stage when aquatic insects are moving upward. Try fishing it slightly higher in the water column when you see trout feeding just beneath the surface.

Details

• Pattern: Ken’s Tungsten Bead Flash Nymph

• Designed By: Capt. Ken Tutalo

• Style: Tungsten Bead Head Nymph

• Colors: Light (Sulfur), Dark (Caddis), and Olive

• Sizes: #16 and #18

• Available Options: Single fly, 3-pack, and half-dozen (6 flies)

A proven guide pattern that deserves a place in your trout nymph selection. Sometimes the most productive flies are the ones that don't look like much in the photograph!