In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Davie McPhail ties a classic pattern that has brought more trout to hand than possibly any other, the Hare’s Ear Nymph.
Learn How to Tie This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
This pattern has made several appearances in this series through variations, but surprisingly never for the original design. When it comes to historically productive flies, this one is at the top of the list. Fly shops are always guaranteed to carry them, unless sold out, so you won’t have to worry about not having the opportunity to stock up. The Hare’s Ear Nymph is sworn by from recreational anglers and guides alike and should be in your fly box no matter the season.
For novice tyers, working with smaller hooks (which they all feel like at first) may make this fly challenging. Practice and patience are worth adopting for learning how to master this pattern, especially while working with proportions on the thorax and legs. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll have the blueprint for how many productive nymphs are created. The simple profile of the Hare’s Ear Nymph allows it to be both easy to tie and fish, a major reason why it is a favorite in many anglers’ fly boxes.
Adding variation to this pattern is a common method for making it even more productive on your home waters. Whether you are targeting picky winter trout or hungry fish in the spring, this fly will produce with flying colors. Half of the enjoyment during the tying process should come from knowing that your work will be rewarded without question. Using your time wisely during the remaining cold days is important, and the Hare’s Ear Nymph is a fly that is worth every second on the vise.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Size 14 nymph hook
- Thread: Uni-8/0 Rusty Brown
- Tail: Pheasant Tail Fibers
- Upper-Body: Copper Wire
- Rib: Gold Tinsel
- Body: Hare’ Ear Dubbing
- Thorax Cover and Legs: Pheasant Tail Fibers
- Thorax: Hare’s Ear Dubbing
Now you know how to tie a Hare’s Ear Nymph!
Video courtesy of Davie McPhail.
