Skinny Nelson

The Skinny Nelson, created by legendary fly tyer and guide Tracy Petersen, is a minimalist mayfly nymph pattern designed to imitate Baetis (Blue-Winged Olive) and other small nymphs. Its slender profile, subtle flash, and bead head make it ideal for imitating emerging mayflies in technical fisheries. Originally crafted for tailwaters, the Skinny Nelson has gained popularity for its effectiveness in clear, heavily pressured waters.

Use it as a dropper fly beneath a dry fly like a Parachute Adams or Elk Hair Caddis. This technique is especially effective during Baetis hatches when trout feed just below the surface.