How to Tie The Hare’s Ear Nymph

Sep 16

Dave is walking us through the process of tying The Hare’s Ear Nymph, a classic fly that’s a must-have in any true trout bums box. Dave’s been perfecting this pattern, and he shares his tips for adding beads and gold ribbing to enhance its effectiveness in different situations. This is another fly that you can get creative with so try new things and enjoy the process

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepare the Hook:
- Start by securing a size 12 nymph hook in your vise.
Thread Base:
- Attach the brown 6/0 thread to the hook and create a smooth thread base down to the hook bend.
Select Hare’s Mask Fibers:
- Choose a section of the hare’s mask that has a good mix of colors. Cut a small amount of fibers and align them so they will lay flat on the hook.
Attach Tail:
- Tie in the hare’s mask fibers at the hook bend, making sure they are straight and uniform. Trim any excess fibers.
Wrap the Wire:
- Secure the copper wire at the hook bend and wrap it towards the hook eye, making evenly spaced turns. This adds durability and creates a ribbing effect.
Prepare Turkey Tail Feathers:
- Cut a small piece of cinnamon turkey tail feather, approximately 3/8 inch long. Clean and align it with the hook.
Add Dubbing:
- Apply a small amount of dubbing to the thread and create a tapered body by wrapping the dubbing around the hook shank. Make sure to build up a heavier section towards the hook eye.
Secure the Turkey Tail:
- Pull the turkey tail feather forward over the body and secure it with loose wraps of thread.
Finish the Fly:
- Add a few more turns of thread to secure the turkey tail and trim any excess. Apply head cement to the thread wraps to secure everything in place and give the fly a durable finish.
Tease and Trim:
- Use a needle or bodkin to tease out any stray fibers and trim them as needed.