1st Annual N.G.T.O. Fly Swap

Fly photos courtesy of Michael Lim.

The Beadhead Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle

from the vise of Edwin

Hook:      Traditional nymph hook, sproat bend, down eye 1X long, size 2 - 18

Bead:      I like a dark color, but any will do.

Tail:       2 - 6 Pheasant tail fibers 1/2 to 2/3 length of body. Tie in at bend, lift butt end and spiral thread back to starting point (1/4 inch behind bead.)

Wire:     Tie in copper or gold wire and snip excess wire, if any, and butts. Lift wire and spiral thread back to bend. Tie in at bend.

Body:       5 - 6 pheasant tail fibers. Stroke the fibers to flare. Tie in 1/4 inch from tips. Wrap them up shank to thread and secure. Then wrap copper wire in opposite direction.

Thorax:   I like gray squirrel dubbing, but the traditional  fiber is peacock herl. Just about anything will do. Add just enough to make the hackle flare.

Hackle:   My personal preference is quail feather, but any game bird feather will do, and many of you may have partridge feathers. Measure the feather on your hackle gauge. Turn 2 - 3 times. Whip finish and add cement.

Fishing Tips

Works extremely well in the Fall and Winter (especially when tied in sizes 14 - 18). Best used in fast water, especially riffles, but if you tie it without the bead, it works well in slow water. Fish with a little ascending movement, especially in slow water. Email me if you need any tips and thanks for some excellent flies and recipes!! Edwin

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