Copper Bead Pheasant Tail Nymph

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This pattern is defined by its slim profile and natural materials. To ensure it fools wary fish, I have tied it with subtle proportions: the tail is sparse, the copper ribbing is fine, and the thorax is kept very compact. The 2.0mm metallic copper bead adds necessary weight to get the fly down quickly while providing a subtle, suggestive flash that triggers strikes without spooking fish in bright conditions.

Hook

Standard Nymph Hook (e.g., Daiichi 1100 or TMC 3761), Size 16

Bead

2.0mm Slotted Metallic Copper Tungsten Bead

Thread

8/0 (70 Denier), Brown

Weight

A few wraps of fine Lead-Free Wire (optional, behind the bead)

Tail

Natural Pheasant Tail Fibers (approx. 6-8 fibers)

Ribbing

Small Copper Wire

Body

Natural Pheasant Tail Fibers

Wing Case

Natural Pheasant Tail Fibers (folded forward)

Thorax

Peacock Herl (small amount)

Preparation

Crimp the barb and slide the 2.0mm copper bead onto the hook (small aperture facing forward). Start the thread behind the bead and build a small thread dam to secure the bead.

Tail

Tie in a small pinch of pheasant tail fibers at the bend of the hook. The tail should be about the length of the hook shank.

Rib and Body

Tie in the fine copper wire at the same point as the tail. Select another 4-6 pheasant tail fibers and tie them in by their tips. Wind the thread forward to the thorax area. Twist the pheasant tail fibers slightly to form a rope and wrap them forward to create a tapered body. Tie off and trim the excess.

Ribbing

Counter-wrap the copper wire forward over the body in even spirals (5-6 wraps) to segment the body and protect the fragile pheasant tail fibers. Tie off and helicopter the wire to break it cleanly.

Wing Case

Take the remaining pheasant tail fibers from the body (or a fresh clump) and tie them in on top of the shank, just behind the bead.

Thorax

Tie in a single strand of peacock herl. Twist it around the thread and wrap 2-3 turns just behind the bead to create a buggy thorax.

Finish

Pull the pheasant tail fibers (wing case) forward over the peacock thorax and tie them down securely behind the bead. Trim the excess. Whip finish and apply a tiny drop of head cement to the thread wraps.

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The resulting fly is slim, durable, and highly imitative of the natural mayfly nymphs that picky trout feed on daily.

Details

Imitates

Mayfly nymph

Targets

Trout, Grayling

Hook size

12-18

Colors

brown, copper, peacock green