Pheasant Tail Nymph
The universal nymph — fooling trout since 1958.
Frank Sawyer's Pheasant Tail Nymph is one of the most widely fished subsurface patterns in the world. The natural pheasant tail fibers create a slim, buggy profile that imitates a broad range of mayfly nymphs. It is equally effective dead-drifted under an indicator or swung on a tight line in riffles.
History & Lore
Frank Sawyer, the legendary riverkeeper on the Avon in Wiltshire, England, designed this pattern in 1958 using only pheasant tail fibers and fine copper wire — no thread. His intent was to create a weighted, natural-looking nymph that sank quickly into the feeding zone of chalkstream trout.
Variations
Flashback Pheasant Tail
Pearl tinsel wing case adds flash to attract fish from distance.
Jig Pheasant Tail
Tied on a jig hook with slotted tungsten bead for Euro nymphing.
Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail
Hungarian partridge collar creates movement and emerger profile.
Tungsten Pheasant Tail
Heavy tungsten bead for fast, deep water.
How to Fish It
Fish a Pheasant Tail Nymph as the point fly in a two-nymph Euro rig, or under an indicator in moderate currents. It is devastating on tailwaters during BWO and PMD nymph activity. In spring creeks, drop to a #18-20 for finicky fish.
When to Use
Effective all season long. Best during pre-hatch mayfly nymph activity, especially BWOs and PMDs. A confidence pattern for any nymphing situation.
Materials
- Hook
- TMC 3761, #12-20
- Thread
- Uni 8/0, brown (or copper wire only)
- Tail
- Pheasant tail fibers
- Body
- Pheasant tail fibers, counter-ribbed with copper wire
- Thorax
- Peacock herl
- Wing case
- Pheasant tail fiber tips (or pearl tinsel for flashback)
- Weight
- Fine copper wire underbody or tungsten bead
Tying Video
Tying Steps
Secure hook and wrap a layer of fine copper wire from eye to bend as both weight and thread base.
💡 Sawyer's original used no thread — copper wire only.
Tie in 4-6 pheasant tail fibers at the bend for the tail.
💡 Tail should be about half the shank length.
Wrap the pheasant tail fibers forward over the copper wire to form a slim, segmented body to 2/3 of the shank.
💡 Counter-wrap copper wire over the body for durability.
Tie in 2-3 strands of peacock herl and wrap a full thorax.
💡 Twist the herl around the thread for a rope that won't unravel.
Pull the remaining pheasant tail fiber tips over the thorax as a wing case and secure.
💡 For a flashback version, substitute a strip of pearl tinsel.
Form a small thread head, whip finish, and cement.
💡 Keep the head tiny — nymphs are about the body, not the head.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Pheasant Tail Nymph should I use?
The Pheasant Tail Nymph is most commonly tied in sizes 12–20. Effective all season long. Best during pre-hatch mayfly nymph activity, especially BWOs and PMDs. A confidence pattern for any nymphing situation.
What does a Pheasant Tail Nymph imitate?
The Pheasant Tail Nymph primarily imitates mayfly nymphs, BWO nymphs, PMD nymphs, Callibaetis nymphs. Fish a Pheasant Tail Nymph as the point fly in a two-nymph Euro rig, or under an indicator in moderate currents. It is devastating on tailwaters durin
What materials do I need to tie a Pheasant Tail Nymph?
Key materials include: Hook, Thread, Tail, Body, Thorax, Wing case, Weight. Wrap copper wire along the shank, tie in pheasant tail fibers for the tail and body, create a thorax
How do you fish a Pheasant Tail Nymph?
Fish a Pheasant Tail Nymph as the point fly in a two-nymph Euro rig, or under an indicator in moderate currents. It is devastating on tailwaters during BWO and PMD nymph activity. In spring creeks, drop to a #18-20 for finicky fish.
Pattern Details
- Category
- Nymphs
- Sizes
- 12–20
- Colors
- Natural, Olive, Brown
- Weight
- Tungsten, Brass bead, None
- Hook Styles
- Standard nymph, Jig hook, 1x long
- Imitates
- mayfly nymphs, BWO nymphs, PMD nymphs, Callibaetis nymphs
- Water Types
- freestone, tailwater, spring creek
- Origin
- Frank Sawyer, 1958
Target Species
Pattern Details
- Category
- Nymphs
- Sizes
- 12–20
- Colors
- Natural, Olive, Brown
- Weight
- Tungsten, Brass bead, None
- Hook Styles
- Standard nymph, Jig hook, 1x long
- Imitates
- mayfly nymphs, BWO nymphs, PMD nymphs, Callibaetis nymphs
- Water Types
- freestone, tailwater, spring creek
- Origin
- Frank Sawyer, 1958