In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Charlie Craven ties a fly that should be no secret to any fly fisher, the Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Hare’s Ear nymphs may be some of the most common patterns in fly boxes, and for good reason. These flies imitate a wide array of subsurface insects, which makes them extremely effective. From stoneflies to mayflies and even caddis, Hare’s Ear nymphs will do it all. The Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear pattern is a natural material nymph that will produce fish year round.
Tying this Hare’s Ear requires minimal skill and is attainable for every level of tyer. This is a fly that can be “messed up” on the vise and still produce fish due to its overall buggy profile. Without a bead or weight on this fly, using split shot to get it down or a heavier point fly will be necessary if fishing more than a foot or two of water. For advanced tyers, using a dubbing loop is one way to make this fly a bit more buggy in profile.
Regardless of the time of year, this Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear will produce on the end of your line. During summer, using this as a dropper in a dry dropper rig will make for exciting small stream fishing. On bigger rivers, this could be used in a double nymph rig on any watershed. The versatility of this Hare’s Ear is exceptional and there is a reason why guides will fish this pattern with the utmost confidence. Tie the Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear onto your line and watch the action unfold!
Ingredients:
- Hook: TMC 5262 #8-18
- Thread: 70 Denier, dark brown
- Tail: India Hen Back Fibers
- Rib: Fine Gold Wire or Gold Oval Tinsel
- Abdomen: Natural Hare’s Mask Dubbing
- Wingcase: Mottled Turkey Tail
- Thorax: Natural Hare’s Mask Dubbing, Picked Out
Now you know how to tie the Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Charlie’s Fly Box.
