HDA FAV Variant

The HDA FAV Variant, designed by Umpqua Signature Tyer Norm Maktima, is a versatile jig-style nymph that serves as an excellent searching pattern. Its pearl tinsel back, soft hackle collar, and hotspot provide a lifelike appearance and movement, making it effective in imitating various aquatic insects, including caddisflies, mayflies, and stoneflies.

When fishing the HDA Fav Variant, focus on its versatility. Start by dead-drifting it through riffles and seams where fish actively feed, but don’t neglect the swing at the end of your drift—it often mimics an emerger rising to the surface, triggering aggressive takes. In slower water, add a slight jigging motion to your euro-nymph setup to enhance the fly’s soft hackle movement. Adjust the size of the fly to match the hatch, and consider pairing it with a smaller dropper fly for a two-fly rig. For finicky fish, use lighter tippet (5x-6x) to improve presentation without sacrificing control.