New Zealand Frenchie - Tungsten

We picked up this proven trick from a New Zealand guide who fishes pressured waters daily. This modern Frenchie variation replaces the traditional collar with subtle black sparkle dubbing, adding just enough flash to trigger strikes without spooking wary trout. Deadly as a point fly or dropper when fish are keyed in on small, natural nymphs.

The New Zealand Frenchie Tungsten is a fast sinking nymph built around a proven pheasant tail style profile with added attraction. The tungsten bead helps it reach depth quickly, while the hot spot and flash give trout a clear trigger in the drift.

This pattern is useful in technical water, pressured runs, riffles, seams, and tailwaters where trout are feeding below the surface. It has enough natural shape to imitate mayfly nymphs and enough attraction to stand out from quieter patterns.

Fish it on a Euro nymphing rig, under an indicator, or as a point fly in a multi fly setup. Use it when you want a compact nymph that sinks fast and gives fish both realism and a small visual cue.