"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, versatil