Czech nymph fishing has become a staple in fly fishing. The technique originated in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Balkan countries. This method involves using long rods, extended leaders, multiple dropper flies, and heavy nymphs. The flies are fished by casting upstream, using only the leader, and allowing the flies to drift naturally with the current. This approach lets the flies sink quickly to the bottom without being dragged upward by the current pulling the line and leader. Anglers keep the rod tip downstream, carefully tracking the leader, and strike at any unusual movement — a tug, tension, or lift — often resulting in a hooked fish.
This technique offers an exciting way to fish, though it has its detractors. Some argue it’s not “true” fly fishing since it involves minimal casting and little use of the fly line. Nonetheless, Czech nymphing is highly effective when fish aren’t feeding on the surface or when fishing fast-flowing waters with deep holes and eddies.
By Håkan Karsnäser
The Role of Heavy Flies
Heavy flies are crucial in Czech nymphing to ensure the nymphs quickly reach the riverbed. Some claim nymph fishing is simple, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Dry fly fishing is often easier because you can see the line, leader, and fly. While casting dry flies requires skill to achieve a natural drift, you can always observe your fly’s position.
Fishing below the surface is far more complex. The leader and fly are affected by varying currents at different depths, requiring anglers to read the water carefully to locate deep holes and seams where fish are likely holding.
It’s tempting to think that heavily weighting the fly is enough to make it sink quickly, but other factors also play a role. For instance, tying the fly to be sleek and streamlined helps it cut through the water. Avoid hackles or tails that could slow the descent. Additionally, the thickness of the leader is critical—Czech nymphing often employs ultra-thin leaders of 0.10–0.12 mm, or even thinner. A thin leader slices through the water more efficiently, allowing the fly to reach the fish faster.
Czech Nymphs: Characteristics
Czech nymphs are typically slim, heavy flies with a shellback, tied on curved hooks. Jig nymphs have also gained popularity for their simplicity and ability to sink quickly, often weighted with colorful tungsten beads.
One fly that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the Dubbelmackan, originating from the Baltak and Tidan rivers. Marcus Hermansson-Thorvald, a well-known angler from Hökensås, developed this fly based on the Peeping Caddis, a weighted caddis larva imitation. Hermansson-Thorvald enhanced the design by adding two tungsten beads—one at each end of the fly—a partridge hackle, and a dubbed body.
To secure the rear bead, he threaded it onto a piece of nylon, burning the end to keep the bead from slipping off. When the rear bead occasionally came loose, he folded the nylon and tied both ends to the hook, solving the problem. The rear bead is often brightly colored, such as fluorescent orange, chartreuse, or white.
The Dubbelmackan quickly became a favorite for its effectiveness and versatility. The fly can be tied in various colors, sizes, and weights. For added weight, you can wrap the body with lead wire; for a lighter version, substitute one or both tungsten beads with brass. The fly has also proven successful in northern Sweden for grayling fishing, tied on long-shank hooks in sizes 8 or 10.
Dubbelmackan
Materials:
- Hook: Ahrex FW550, sizes 10–12
- Thread: Brown 8/0
- “Head”: Fluorescent orange tungsten bead and nylon line
- Hackle: Partridge
- Body: Hare’s ear dubbing
- Weight: Copper tungsten bead
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Slide the copper bead onto the hook and position it near the eye. Secure the thread and wrap it back to the bend.
Step 2: Cut a piece of nylon line and thread the orange bead onto it. Fold the nylon and tie both ends securely to the rear of the hook.
Step 3: Select a partridge hackle with fibers approximately the length of the hook shank. Tie it in by the tip near the nylon.
Step 4: Wrap the hackle 2–3 turns in front of the orange bead and secure it.
Step 5: Dub the thread and form a thick, slightly tapered body toward the copper bead.
Step 6: Finish the fly with a whip finish near the bead and trim the thread.
Variations of the Dubbelmackan
This fly can be customized in numerous ways to suit different fishing conditions. You can adjust the bead colors, body materials, or hook size to target specific species or adapt to varying water conditions.
The Dubbelmackan is a practical and versatile fly that continues to deliver excellent results in various fishing environments, from southern rivers to northern grayling waters.
