Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle Nymph

As many of you know we don't really tie traditional nymph patterns, and replace the traditional pattern with a soft hackle version.  We do this because the soft hackle brings the fly to life even on a natural dead drift with a small natural pulse from the current.  The Pheasant Tail (PT) Nymph is easily one of the most effective nymph patterns to tie and fish.  We have tied this pattern as a Soft Hackle Nymph and the amount of fish we've caught on it is insane.  It is as if the fish just can't resist it.  The PT Nymph is a great pattern to use for a Mayfly Nymph.  This makes it extremely versatile in different colors and sizes.

Technique

This pattern is equally deadly fishing on a traditional cross swing,  dead drift under an indicator, upstream drift, and basically any way you would think to fish a nymph pattern.  It gets down deep quickly into the fish's feeding zone, thanks to the heavy Tungsten Beads.  The other cool thing about this pattern is I can change it up by using different colors of dyed pheasant tail.  Our personal favorite, as I am sure comes as no shock, is the color Purple.

Tying PT Soft Hackle Nymph

The following is a SBS Tutorial on how we tie our PT Soft Hackle Nymph.

Tying Materials

Hook: Moonlit Togatta ML501 sz14 Jig hook and can be tied in any size ranging from sz10-16 are our favorites.  Substitute the ML501 with the ML056 or the ML058 Jig Hooks

Bead: Moonlit Slotted Tungsten Bead (Pebble) Metallic Blue 3.0mm.  You may use the Fluoro Purple or Metalic Purple for this pattern as well. Choose the size and color to match your needs.

Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Purple. Choose color to match your needs

Body/Tail: Natures Spirit Purple Dyed Pheasant Tail, choose color of PT to meet your needs

Rib: Semperfli Hot Green .2mm Tying Wire, select color of choice

Thorax: Vicuna UV Black Dubbing, this is a great substitute for Hares Ear with lots of color options, pick your own color choices

Hackle: Whiting Red Label Brown Hen Saddle, or Indian Hen Saddle.  For smaller sizes use Hen Capes, or Starling.