The Hare’s Ear Nymph is one of the most versatile and essential flies for any fly fisher. It effectively imitates a wide variety of aquatic insects, making it a must-have pattern for both beginners and experienced anglers. This guide will walk you through the steps to tie your own Hare’s Ear Nymph, ensuring you have a productive fly for catching trout and other freshwater species.
Materials Needed
Hook: Nymph hook, size 12-16
Thread: 6/0 or 8/0 in tan, brown, or black
Tail: Hare’s mask fibers or pheasant tail fibers
Ribbing: Fine gold or copper wire
Body: Hare’s ear dubbing
Wing Case: Turkey tail or pheasant tail fibers
Thorax: Hare’s ear dubbing (slightly darker than the body)
Bead (Optional): Gold or copper bead for a bead-head variation
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Secure the Hook and Add the Bead (Optional)
Place the hook in the vise and secure it tightly.
If using a bead, slide it onto the hook before securing it.
Start wrapping your thread behind the bead (or near the eye if no bead is used), covering the shank evenly.
Step 2: Tie in the Tail
Select a small bunch of hare’s mask fibers or pheasant tail fibers.
Measure the fibers so they are about half the length of the hook shank.
Tie them in at the bend of the hook, securing them with several tight wraps.
Step 3: Add the Ribbing
Attach a fine piece of gold or copper wire at the base of the tail.
Leave it hanging as you proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Form the Body
Apply a small amount of hare’s ear dubbing to your thread.
Begin wrapping the dubbing forward, forming a tapered body up to about two-thirds of the hook shank.
Step 5: Rib the Fly
Take the wire and wrap it in even, segmented turns over the body.
Secure it near the front of the body with several thread wraps, then trim off the excess.
Step 6: Attach the Wing Case
Take a small strip of turkey tail or pheasant tail fibers.
Tie them in just in front of the body, ensuring they extend backward over the fly.
Step 7: Build the Thorax
Apply a slightly darker hare’s ear dubbing to your thread.
Wrap the dubbing around the thorax area, making it slightly bulkier than the body.
Step 8: Fold the Wing Case Over
Pull the wing case material forward over the thorax.
Secure it with a few firm thread wraps.
Trim any excess material.
Step 9: Finish the Fly
Whip finish and secure with a dab of head cement or UV resin.
Trim any stray fibers and inspect the fly for consistency.
Fishing the Hare’s Ear Nymph
This fly is effective in both still and moving waters. It can be fished under an indicator or used in a Euro nymphing setup. Vary your retrieve speed and depth to match the behavior of the natural insects in your fishing area.
Final Tips:
Adjust the dubbing amount to create a slimmer or bulkier profile.
Try different colors of dubbing (olive, tan, or gray) to match local hatches.
Use a bead-head version for deeper water fishing.
Tying your own Hare’s Ear Nymphs will improve your success on the water and provide a deeper appreciation for the sport of fly fishing. Give it a try and enjoy the rewards of landing fish on a fly you crafted yourself!
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