Psycho May
The Psycho May is a flashy mayfly nymph with a hot collar and tungsten bead, built for European nymphing and pressured tailwater trout. Strong for searches like Psycho May nymph pattern, hot-spot mayfly nymph, and best euro nymphing mayfly fly.
Imitates: Mayfly nymph with attractor trigger
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #14-18
- Best Season
- Year-round
- Best Conditions
- Tailwaters, technical rivers, euro nymphing rigs
- Water Temp
- 40-60°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 5X-6X
How to Rig It
Point fly in a euro rig, or under an indicator as the anchor.
How to Present It
Tight-line through deep runs; let the fly tick bottom.
Why It Works
The hot collar is a strike trigger on educated fish — they see thousands of natural nymphs and the spot draws the eat.
History
Part of the modern wave of competition-driven euro nymphs adapted from Czech, French, and Spanish patterns.
Pro Tip
Carry pink, chartreuse, and orange collar versions. Rotate until you find the trigger color for the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a hot-spot nymph?+
A nymph with a small bright collar or thorax that acts as a visual strike trigger on pressured trout.
Not sure if Psycho May is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
Open Fly Advisor
Map
Fly Guide