Alright, let me tell you about this little gem I’ve been slaying with—the Czechmate. Now, if you’re into euro-nymphing (or just like catching fish, period), this pattern’s a must-have. It’s not your granddad’s Czech nymph, that’s for sure.

First off, you’ll wanna start with a heavy jig hook—sizes 10 to 16, depending on how gnarly the water is. And listen, skip the brass beads. Tungsten or bust. I learned that the hard way after watching my flies float like they were scared of the bottom. The weight thing—well, let’s just say tungsten isn’t your only option, but it’s the only one I’ll tie on these days.
Now, the body. Most folks reach for olive or gray dubbing, and yeah, that works. But honestly? After runoff, when the water’s still got that tinge of chocolate milk, I swear by a rusty brown. Rib it with some copper wire—not too tight, though, unless you want it looking like a constricted caterpillar. And here’s the kicker: throw on a strip of thin skin over the top. It keeps the profile slim, like those naturals that fish just can’t resist.

Here’s where it gets fun. The thorax. Classic Czech nymphs have that shellback, but the Czechmate? Oh, it’s got bling. Peacock herl, my friend. Because nothing says "eat me" like a shiny peacock herl thorax. Last spring on the Madison, this thing out-fished every other nymph in my box 3-to-1. Euro-nymphing purists might scoff at the flash, but hey, let ’em keep their drab flies. I’ll be over here with a net full of hogs.

What’s it imitate? Pretty much anything a trout’s munching on—mayfly, caddis, stonefly larvae. You can tweak the size and color to match the hatch, but honestly, I’ve found they’ll hammer it even when it’s not a perfect match. Fish aren’t exactly PhDs in entomology, you know?

Best spots? Freestone rivers with some chop, tailwaters when the flows are up—anywhere you need to get down fast and stay there. Cold months? Absolute killer. When the fish are lazy and glued to the bottom, this thing’ll dig ’em out. I’ve even had luck in spring creeks, though you might need to downsize to a 16 if the fish are being picky.

Anyway, give it a shot next time the water’s up. Or don’t. More fish for me.