The Prince Beadhead Trout Fly is a classic and versatile pattern, renowned for its effectiveness in attracting trout. Originally designed by Doug Prince in the 1930s, this fly has stood the test of time, becoming a staple in anglers' fly boxes. Its distinctive features include a bead head for added weight, ensuring it sinks quickly to reach feeding fish, and biot tails that mimic natural nymph movements.
The fly's peacock herl body and white goose biot wings create an enticing profile, making it irresistible to trout. Ideal for both still and moving waters, the Prince Beadhead is a must-have for any serious fly fisher, offering reliability and proven success in various fishing conditions..
The Prince Beadhead Trout Fishing Fly is most effective when used in fast-moving streams and rivers. To maximise its effectiveness, employ a dead-drift presentation by casting upstream and allowing the fly to drift naturally with the current. This mimics the movement of natural nymphs. Use a strike indicator to detect subtle takes. For retrieves, a slow, steady hand-twist retrieve can be effective in still waters, imitating an emerging insect. Tactics include targeting riffles and runs where trout are likely to be feeding. Adjust the depth by adding split shot or using a longer leader to ensure the fly reaches the strike zone.
Key Seasons - when is this
Bead Head Nymph Trout Fly
most effective?
The Prince Beadhead Trout Fishing Fly is most effective during spring and autumn when trout are actively feeding. In spring, as water temperatures rise, insect hatches increase, making this fly ideal for imitating nymphs. Key hatch periods include March to May, when mayflies and caddisflies are abundant. Autumn, from September to November, is another prime time as trout prepare for winter, aggressively feeding on available prey. This fly excels in clear, fast-flowing waters and during overcast conditions, where its beadhead adds weight and visibility, enticing strikes from opportunistic trout.
How does the Turrall Prince Beadhead Trout Fly imitate a key stage in a fish's diet?
The Prince Beadhead Trout Fishing Fly is designed to imitate the nymph stage of aquatic insects, particularly stoneflies and mayflies, which are a crucial part of a trout's diet. As these nymphs emerge from the riverbed, they become vulnerable to predation, making them an attractive target for fish. The beadhead adds weight, allowing the fly to sink quickly and mimic the natural drift of a nymph in the water column. Its iridescent body and soft hackle simulate the movement and appearance of a real insect, enticing trout to strike. Fish target these nymphs due to their abundance and nutritional value during emergence.
Prince Beadhead Trout Fly expertly tied
by Turrall for maximum performance.
The Turrall Prince Beadhead Trout Fly is expertly tied using high-quality materials to ensure maximum performance on the water. Each fly features a precisely weighted beadhead, enhancing its sinking ability and mimicking natural aquatic movement. The realistic profile, crafted with premium feathers and durable threads, attracts trout with lifelike precision.
Turrall's meticulous attention to detail ensures that every fly is not only visually appealing but also highly effective in various fishing conditions. This fly's superior construction and design make it a must-have for anglers seeking success in their trout fishing adventures.
Turrall Prince Beadhead Trout Fly BH28
- Turrall Premium Award-Winning Flies – The Best in Fly Fishing
England is the birthplace of fly fishing, and Turrall & Co. Ltd. is proud to be its longest-established company of professional fly dressers, crafting premium flies since the mid-nineteenth century. Over the years, Turrall has earned prestigious recognition from The Sunday Times, Country Living Magazine, and EFTTEX – the leading European Fishing Tackle Trade Association.
Every Turrall fly is the result of traditional craftsmanship fused with modern innovation, delivering consistent, high-performance results on the water. Turrall use only the finest materials, starting with high carbon steel hooks—needle-ground, surgically sharp, and double-coated for durability. Matched with world-class feathers and furs, including
Metz Genetic Hackles where appropriate, these hand-tied patterns are trusted by fly anglers worldwide.
