As the crisp air of fall settles in and the leaves begin their colorful transformation, anglers know it's time to adjust their fly boxes for the changing season. One fly that should never be overlooked in your autumn arsenal is the Pheasant Tail Nymph. This classic pattern, with its natural color and simple design, is incredibly effective for imitating the small mayfly nymphs that trout feed on during the cooler months. In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to tie your own Fall Pheasant Tail Nymph, ensuring you're well-prepared for those productive fall fishing days.
Materials You’ll Need
Before we dive into the tying process, let’s gather the materials:
Hook: Size 12-18 nymph hook (e.g., Tiemco 3769)
Thread: Brown or black, 8/0 or 70 denier
Tail: Pheasant tail fibers
Ribbing: Fine copper wire
Body: Pheasant tail fibers
Thorax: Peacock herl
Wing Case: Pheasant tail fibers
Bead Head (optional): Gold or copper bead to match hook size
Step-by-Step Tying Instructions
Start the Thread: Begin by placing your hook in the vise and securing it tightly. Start your thread just behind the hook eye and wrap it back towards the bend. If you're using a bead head, slide it onto the hook before starting your thread.
Prepare the Tail: Take 4-6 fibers from a pheasant tail feather and align the tips. Measure the fibers so that the tail is about half the length of the hook shank. Tie them in at the bend of the hook, securing them with tight wraps as you move your thread back towards the hook eye.
Add the Ribbing: Tie in a piece of fine copper wire at the base of the tail. This will be used to rib the body later, adding durability and segmentation to the fly.
Form the Body: Using the same pheasant tail fibers from the tail, wrap them around the hook shank to form the body. Stop wrapping when you reach about 2/3 of the way up the shank. Secure the fibers with a few tight wraps of thread.
Rib the Body: Take the copper wire and wrap it in evenly spaced turns up the body, creating a segmented effect. Secure the wire with your thread and trim off the excess.
Add the Thorax: Tie in 2-3 strands of peacock herl just in front of the body. Wrap the herl around the shank to form a small, bushy thorax, then secure it with thread and trim the excess
Prepare the Wing Case: Pull a few more pheasant tail fibers over the top of the thorax to form the wing case. Secure these fibers with a few thread wraps just behind the hook eye.
Finish the Fly: Build up a small head with your thread just behind the hook eye. If you used a bead head, ensure it's snug against the thorax. Whip finish and cut the thread, then apply a small drop of head cement to ensure everything stays in place.
Fishing the Fall Pheasant Tail Nymph
The Fall Pheasant Tail Nymph is a versatile fly that can be fished in a variety of ways. It’s particularly effective when drifted under an indicator or swung through deeper pools where trout are likely holding in the cooler water. The subtle flash from the peacock herl thorax and the natural movement of the pheasant tail fibers make it an irresistible target for fall-feeding trout.
Final Thoughts
As the temperatures drop and the fish become more selective, having a well-tied Fall Pheasant Tail Nymph in your fly box can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned fly tyer or a beginner, this fly is a must-have for your autumn outings. So, grab your materials, spend some time at the vise, and get ready for some productive fall fishing!
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