A Fly A Day - Day 4

The Bead Head Hares Ear Nymph

In all my years of fly fishing, i had missed out on something. Fishing underneath the water was always restricted to streamers and wet flies, and i always had success with them. About 15 years ago i watched a video about nymphing in stillwaters. Dead drifting a nymph in the early season is an incredibly successful technique in small lakes and stillwaters when nymphs of Stonefly, Mayfly and Caddis Fly all start to get active. I carry imitations for all, but i also carry a great all around nymph, the Gold Ribbed Bead Head Hares Ear nymph. I carry this in two colours. The traditional natural Hares Ear fur, and in an olive dye as well. Fished in a stillwater, it is quite simple. The bead head gives the fly weight, and so cast and dead drift onto areas you think trout are feeding, and then a very slow retrieve, with small drifts in between. Takes are usually heavy. For any of those who have fished with nymphs, you know it is a great way to target large fish.

Pattern:

Hook: #12 to #18 Nymph Hook
1/16" to 5/64" Gold Bead depending on hook size
Thread: Black 6/0 Uni-Thread
Tail: Guard Hairs from Hares Mask
Rib: Small Gold Wire
Abdomen: Natural Hare's Ear dubbing
Wingcase: Turkey Tail Feather
Thorax: Natural Hare's Ear Dubbing