nymph
Pheasant Tail Nymph
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.
Variants
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History
The Pheasant Tail is arguably the most famous nymph in the world — Frank Sawyer tied the original in the 1950s on the River Avon in England. Devin Olsen's version is a quick, durable variation that uses Semperfli Nano Silk for the ribbing, which prevents trout teeth from shredding both the pheasant tail AND the rib. He ties drab variations for low clear water and sight-fishing, and adds a hot bead or fluorescent thread hot spot when he needs more attention. It's simple, it catches fish, and it belongs in every nymph box.
Tying overview
Wrap copper wire along the shank, tie in pheasant tail fibers for the tail and body, create a thorax with peacock herl, and form a wing case from the pheasant tail tips folded over.
Fishing tips
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.