Fly Focus - Page 1 of 4

The Pheasant Tail Nymph

The Pheasant Tail Nymph must rank as one of the commonest flies seen. Frank Sawyer, one of the best known river keepers in England as well as a keen nymph fisherman, developed the original pattern. In its natural environment, the nymph tucks its legs in when moving through the water, which is why it seems to look so spars. It is sometimes tied using a gold bead and is one of the simplest files to tie, however, it does not normally need any additional weight.

The Pheasant Tail is without doubt the best may fly nymph imitation designed, where natural insects can be seen throughout the season. It is most effective when fished with a slow figure of eight retrieve, emulating a mature nymph rising to the surface to emerge as an adult dun may fly.

It is common for a fish to take when it is lifted upwards, suggesting a real insect rising to the surface. In most cases, success is simply a matter of matching the size on the day. On lakes, this is a very effective fly in the middle of the day during Callibaetis season.

Use a floating line with greased sunken leader, retrieve the fly very slowly just below the surface. Pay particular attention to shallow areas near weed beds. The Flashback Pheasant Tail is especially useful before, during, and immediately after a Callibaetis hatch.