Fly Tying

In fly fishing there are many classics.  In truth, there are very few flies that have not undergone some changes over the years.  The original Hares Ear fly, like most original fly fishing flies, was a wet fly pattern.  Today, this nymph is one of the most common and most effective flies in fly fishing for trout. 

I have yet to meet a fly fisherman that doesn't have a selection of these in different sizes, with and without bead heads, with and without flash, and, of course, in the traditional hares ear as well as olive.  This buggy looking fly is a killer and an absolute must have in your fly box.  They are also very easy and fun to tie.

INSTRUCTIONS

HOOK:  Standard Heavy Wire Nymph (TMC 3769)

THREAD:  Tan

TAIL:  Hare's Mask

RIB:  Medium Gold Wire or Oval Tinsel

BODY: Hare's Ear Dubbing

WING CASE:  Mottled Turkey Quill

OPTIONAL:  Bead Head for Weight, Flash instead of or over the wing case.  Also, for sizes 14 or smaller, use smaller ribbing.

Tie in your thread and wind to near the bend.  Pull a generous amount of fur from the mask.  Smaller flies can get away with Partridge for the tail.   Tie in the tail, then tie in the rib.  Start wrapping the dubbing body and taper with the thickest part of the body at the half way point.  You can be generous with the dubbing.  This fly should look buggy and the ribbing does compress the body some.  Wrap the rib 3-4 even turns, tie off and cut excess.  Now tie in the wing case.  You only need to cut enough quill fibers to make it ever so slightly thicker than the body width of the fly.  Now, build the thorax - remember, it should be even thicker than the body, but leave a little room for the head.  Now pull the wing case forward over the thorax and tie it off.  Trim the excess, whip finish and add head cement.  Now take it fly fishing!

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