"The Power of the Dragon: Unlocking the Magic of the Gomphus Fly"

Show Notes:

Episode 17: Why the Gomphus Fly is a Must-Have for Stillwater Anglers

Welcome back to The Stillwater Edge! Today, we’re diving into one of the most productive and versatile flies in Stillwater fishing—the Gomphus Fly.

If you want a fly that triggers aggressive strikes, mimics a high-calorie food source, and can be fished multiple ways, then this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’ll cover:
✔ What the Gomphus Fly is and why it’s so effective
✔ Where to find dragonfly nymphs in a lake
✔ The best techniques for fishing the Gomphus Fly
✔ Pro tips to maximize your success with this pattern

By the end, you’ll understand why every Stillwater angler should have this fly in their box.

Key Takeaways:

What is the Gomphus Fly?

A realistic dragonfly nymph imitation that mimics a natural, calorie-rich food source for trout.
Traditionally tied with deer hair, but available in various styles and materials.
A bulky, curved pattern designed to imitate the natural movement of dragonfly nymphs.

Why Do Trout Love the Gomphus Fly?

✔ Large and Visible – Dragonfly nymphs are a high-value meal, making them irresistible to trout.
✔ Lifelike Movement – Mimics a darting, crawling motion, triggering aggressive predatory strikes.
✔ Year-Round Availability – Unlike other hatches, dragonfly nymphs are active in lakes all year, even in winter.

Where to Find Dragonfly Nymphs in a Lake

Weedy Flats – Prime habitat with cover and food.
Shallow Margins (Less than 10 feet) – Especially in early mornings and late evenings.
Mucky or Sandy Bottoms – Nymphs burrow for protection.
Drop-Off Zones & Shoals – Trout will ambush nymphs moving between zones.

How to Fish the Gomphus Fly

✔ 1. Slow Hand Retrieve

Mimic a crawling dragonfly nymph moving across the bottom.
Keep retrieves irregular with occasional pauses and short bursts.

✔ 2. Sink & Pull (Short Strip Method)

Use a full sinking line, let the fly settle, then strip aggressively to imitate a nymph escaping a predator.

✔ 3. Hovering Motion

Use a hover or parabolic sinking line to keep the fly just above weed beds.
Perfect for enticing strikes from trout cruising for prey.

✔ 4. Trolling or Drifting

A great option for beginners or kids—let the fly drift naturally or troll it slowly with a full sink line.
The takes on a drifting Gomphus can be explosive.

✔ 5. Indicator Fishing (Experimental Technique)

Suspend the Gomphus Fly a foot off the bottom under an indicator.
Some anglers have had great success with this method, and I’ll be testing it more this season.

Pro Tips for Fishing the Gomphus Fly

✔ Carry Weighted & Unweighted Versions – Weighted flies help you reach deeper trout, especially in warm months.
✔ Use a Shorter Leader for Deep Water – Keeps the fly in the strike zone longer.
✔ Fish it in the Right Zones – Target flats, drop-offs, and soft-bottomed areas where dragonfly nymphs thrive.

Call to Action (CTA):

The Gomphus Fly is a Stillwater game-changer. Whether you’re fishing in the shallows, drop-offs, or deep zones, this fly will get results.

Try out these tactics and let me know your success!

Have you fished the Gomphus Fly before? DM me on Instagram (@stillwateredge) and share your experience.
Subscribe to The Stillwater Edge for weekly expert Stillwater fishing insights.
Share this episode with a fishing buddy who needs to add this fly to their box!

Episode Outro:

That’s a wrap for today’s episode! The Gomphus Fly isn’t just another fly—it’s a must-have for Stillwater anglers looking to trigger aggressive takes from cruising trout.

By fishing it slow, fast, deep, or shallow, you’ll have a reliable, versatile pattern that works all season long.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and follow me on Instagram (@stillwateredge). I’d love to hear about your results with the Gomphus Fly!

Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing!