General Info: Tungsten vs Standard Beadhead Nymphs

If you read our fishing reports or search through your local shop's fly bins you will eventually find a recommendation to use tungsten bead heads instead of traditional bead headed nymphs. Standard beads are mostly made of steel or tin. Tungsten beads are substantially heavier. A pattern tied with a tungsten bead will sink much quicker and remain on the bottom better than standard beads.

Many of our guides use tungsten beaded nymphs as the trailing fly in a dry-dropper combo. Tungsten nymphs are also a good choice when you are fishing in small streams and want to avoid using unnecessary split shot.