The Future of Fly Fishing.
Custom Made Flyfishing Nymphs By Renowned NZ Fishing Guide Alan Campbell. So good, they might have to be banned.
A Revolutionary Design That Outperforms
Discover why the unique design of the SBN out-fishes traditional bead head nymphs.
Natural Presentation
The SBN's weight is evenly distributed, allowing it to descend horizontally, unlike the head-first dive of bead heads. This results in a more natural drift that wary trout find irresistible.
Bold & Different Profile
The SBN presents a unique and bold silhouette that sets it apart. It triggers strikes from educated trout that have seen and refused countless bead head nymphs.
Fewer Snags
The hook rides with the point facing upwards, significantly reducing bottom snags. This keeps your fly in the strike zone longer where it belongs.
Superior Construction
The stainless steel back is soldered for maximum durability. With no bead, the entire hook shank is available for better proportions and easier tippet threading.
Proven Performance
Field tested since 2012 with consistent, impressive results. The SBN has proven its ability to catch trout when other patterns fail, making it an essential fly.
Customizable & Versatile
Available in a range of sizes and colors, with matte or "bling" finishes. Each pattern can be customized to match local conditions and imitate various food sources.
About Alan Campbell
A Lifetime of Passion & Innovation
My angling journey began over 50 years ago, fishing with my Dad on the Pomahaka River. That childhood pastime grew into a lifelong passion, leading me to become a professional guide in New Zealand's pristine waters in 1995.
The Steel Back Nymph (SBN) was born from a simple idea in 2012. On its very first outing, it proved irresistible, landing eight good fish from a single pool within an hour. It was clear I was onto something truly groundbreaking.
Years of refinement have perfected the SBN for durability and deadly consistency. It's now my go-to pattern, proven to catch trout everywhere from high-country streams to placid lakes. Its unique profile imitates everything a trout desires. Join the Steelback Club and experience the difference for yourself.
Hand-Tied & Field-Tested
Hand-tied in New Zealand, field-tested, and proven to catch the most discerning trout.
Orders & Minimums
Minimum order of 4 nymphs of one size. Minimum total order of NZ$50.00 + postage. You are welcome to order more than 4 of any size or mix and match.
Flat Rate Shipping
Worldwide Shipping: NZ$15 (economy tracked). For faster EU shipping, order via our agent Ardent Peche.
Secure Payments
We use PayPal to securely process credit cards. You do not need a PayPal account to pay. Simply choose the "Pay with Card" option.
Currency
All prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Your bank will convert the payment to your local currency on your statement.
SBN Submerger (poly version) dark
- BODY: dark colour squirrel or rabbit dubbing
- THORAX: dark colour squirrel or rabbit dubbing
- Abdomen: polystyrene bead enclosed in plastic film
- HOOK: TMC 921
- SIZES: #14, #16, #18
SBN Submerger (poly version) light
- BODY: light colour squirrel or rabbit dubbing
- THORAX: light colour squirrel or rabbit dubbing
- Abdomen: polystyrene bead enclosed in plastic film
- HOOK: TMC 921
- SIZES: #14, #16, #18
SBN Submerger
- BODY: Squirrel dubbing
- THORAX: Plastic bubble and squirrel dubbing
- HOOK: TMC 200R
- SIZES: #18, #20, #22
SBN White
- BODY: Synthetic dubbing
- THORAX: CDC white
- STEELBACK: Matte white epoxy finish.
- Size #16 shown
SBN Pink
- BODY: Synthetic dubbing
- THORAX: CDC pink
- STEELBACK: Matte pink epoxy finish.
- Size #16 shown.
SBN Yellow
- BODY: Synthetic dubbing
- THORAX: CDC yellow
- STEELBACK: Matte yellow epoxy finish.
- Size #16 shown.
SBN Orange
- BODY: Synthetic dubbing
- THORAX: CDC orange
- STEELBACK: Matte Orange epoxy finish.
- Size #16 shown.
SBN 002
- BODY: Rabbit/hare dubbing
- THORAX: Rabbit/hare dubbing
- STEELBACK: matte straw colour
- SIZE #16 shown
SBN 003
- BODY: Mustard coloured synthetic dubbing
- THORAX: synthetic dubbing mix with fine rubber legs
- TAIL: ginger hackle fibres
- STEELBACK: Matte with mustard colour epoxy finish
- SIZE #16 shown
SBN 010
- BODY: silver copper wire
- THORAX: synthetic dubbing with super fine rubber legs
- STEELBACK: matte with brown epoxy finish
- Size #16 shown
SBN 011
- BODY: Synthetic dubbing
- THORAX: seals fur
- TAIL: bright red hackle fibres
- STEELBACK: Matte red
- Size #18 shown
SBN 013
- BODY: yellow copper wire
- THORAX: synthetic dubbing with super fine rubber legs
- STEELBACK: Yellow mustard
- Size #16 shown
SBN 014
- BODY: copper wire
- THORAX: synthetic dubbing with super fine rubber legs
- STEELBACK: matte with dark brown epoxy finish
- Size #16 shown
SBN 020
- BODY: yellow ice dubbing with stainless wire rib.
- THORAX: synthetic dubbing with super fine rubber legs
- STEELBACK: Light yellow
- Size #16 shown.
SBN 031
- BODY: green/black tinsel or scudback
- THORAX: hare’s ear
- STEELBACK: matte black
- Size #16 shown
SBN 032
- BODY: violet pearl scudback with stainless wire rib.
- THORAX: synthetic dubbing with krystal flash legs.
- STEELBACK: matte with purple epoxy finish.
- Size #16 shown
SBN 040
- BODY: orange fluo bright edge with stainless wire rib.
- THORAX: synthetic dubbing with super fine rubber legs.
- STEELBACK: matte with purple epoxy finish.
- Size #18 shown
SBN 041
- BODY: yellow fluo bright edge with stainless wire rib.
- THORAX: synthetic dubbing with super fine rubber legs.
- STEELBACK: matte with olive epoxy finish.
- Size #16 shown.
SBN 050
- BODY: black tying thread/stainless wire rib.
- THORAX: ultra thin rubber legs/synthetic dubbing.
- STEELBACK: Black epoxy over matt stainless steel.
- Size #16 shown.
SBN 051
- BODY: dark brown tying thread/stainless wire rib.
- THORAX: ultra thin rubber legs/synthetic dubbing.
- STEELBACK: dark brown epoxy over matte stainless steel.
- Size #16 shown.
SBN 052
- BODY: tan tying thread/stainless wire rib.
- THORAX: ultra thin rubber legs/synthetic dubbing.
- STEELBACK: tan epoxy over matte stainless steel.
- Size #16 shown.
SBN Kit
- Contains 10 pre-soldered hooks
- Includes 10 stainless steel backs
- Tie your own custom patterns
Real Results, Real Fish
All caught on Steel Back Nymphs in New Zealand's legendary high country.
Trusted by Passionate Fishermen
"I was skeptical, but after watching a brown refuse my hare's ear then grab Alan's SBN on the very next cast, I was sold! Now they're all I use."
"The weight distribution is genius! They sink naturally and the trout can't resist them. I've caught more fish in the last year with SBNs than in the previous five with beadheads."
"Alan's SBNs have completely changed my nymph fishing. The bold profile and unique action trigger strikes from educated fish. Worth every penny!"
Learn From The Creator
Learn how to tie the SBN, see it in action, and pick up other handy fly-fishing tips from Alan.
SBN Sub-Merger & Sub-Sedge Emergers
Aerial Brown Trout Takes the Emerger
How To: Tying an SBN #40 with Edge Bright
Sight Fishing Downstream with an SBN 010
How To: Finishing & Applying Epoxy
How To: Using Nail Varnish for Color
Get In Touch
Ready to order or have a question? Send a message and we'll get back to you shortly. Based in the heart of New Zealand's best fly fishing country.
Phone
+64 123 456 789Business Hours
Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pmSat-Sun: By Appointment