Wet Flies

Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail

A marriage of the Pheasant Tail Nymph and soft hackle tradition, this pattern fishes brilliantly on the swing. The pheasant tail body provides the mayfly profile while the partridge hackle collar breathes and pulses, suggesting an emerging nymph ascending toward the surface.

Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail fly pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

What size Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail should I use?

The Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail is most commonly tied in sizes 14–18. Choose smaller sizes for clear water and pressured fish, and larger sizes for faster or off-color water.

What does a Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail imitate?

The Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail primarily imitates emerging mayflies, ascending nymphs.

Pattern Details

Category
Wet Flies
Sizes
14–18
Colors
Natural pheasant, Olive
Hook Styles
Standard wet fly
Imitates
emerging mayflies, ascending nymphs
Water Types
freestone, tailwater, spring creek

catches logged by anglers

Target Species

rainbow troutbrown troutbrook troutcutthroat trout

Effective on These Rivers

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