I tied this one in a more ‘impressionistic’ way (less exacting) for the stocky clinger/crawler nymphs that are rough on the edges and drink too many beers. Hare’s Mask was used in this instance rather than the pre-packaged hare’s ear dubbing. Consequently, it was a more aggressive pattern with guard hairs abounding. I have only tried these on freestone streams tumbling in and below riffles and rapids and have found them to be enticing morsels. This coming year, I want to remember (I don’t write lists, so we shall see if I do) to use this pattern while Czech Nymphing..up close and personal near an edge of a riffle or rapids. I only use the bead for weight and tie the pattern on a size 10 or 12 straight shank nymph hook. This is a classic Hare’s Ear pattern from the tail to the thorax….only from the mask.
I have a mental block re certain patterns and the two that I am prejudice against are two of the simplest to tie and both are truly highly effective: Hare’s Ear Nymph and Pheasant Tail Nymph. There is no logical explanation…kind of like being against blonds with big gazaba’s… I mean why? Yet despite myself I fish this pattern and the PTN. It frigging works….they work! Re the tinsel. That is what the standard pattern calls for. I use it..yet I have never liked working with tinsel and would prefer gold wire. The reason is evident by my wraps..uneven and inconsistent. You decide. The thorax can be much less spikey and comprised of dubbing and less guard hairs. I like it spikey…a road trip without shaving.
SwittersB & Exploring 
Hello im a new fly fisherman im looking for a place to go in the salem area thats good for beginners, can I get some suggestions please? Thanks
Shawn
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Hello Shawn,
Salem is a tough one, this time of year. All streams in that vicinity close in October. There are little ponds in and around Salem that are stocked (check ODFW stocking schedule for Willamette Valley). The Santiams and coastal streams are closed to trout. You can fly fish for steelhead on nearby coastal streams but different game, so check gage stations on water levels. For next Spring opener talk to Rich at Creekside Fly Fishing, 503-588-1768 (345 High St. SE, Salem, Or). If you can drive east..go to Deschutes R. Crooked R and Fall River. South call the Caddis Fly Shop in Eugene and get ideas about lower McKenzie R. below Armitage Park or Middle Fk. Willamette at Black Canyon CG. Sorry could not be more help for that area. Perhaps others will have a beter idea..
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You have a great talent, making flies.
They look awesome, you give me inspiration to learn how to make my own.
What would one need to get, supplies, books, etc. to get started in making their own flies?
Thanks so much
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You are most kind…I appreciate that. There are several nice instructional books that I can provide to you and, of course, there are on line instructional sites like Danica, Global Fflyfisher and Fly Tyer to name but a few. A book will usually run $20 to $30 US. Materials are the catch and if you ‘collect’ things in you hobbies, then this can be a trap…To start: a box of nymph hooks size 12, a box of dry fly hooks size 14, sizes 6/0 and 8/0 thread (thread size and proportionment of materials are key to a nice finished fly), then peacock, pheasant tail, hare’s dubbing (packets not mask yet), partridge, grizzly hackle, mallard feathers, marabou and copper and gold ribbing and some gold beads for the size 12 nymph hook. A bobbin for the thread, nice scissors (don’t skimp here and don’t cut hard materials with them, use old scissors for that). Vise: I have my oiginal Thompson vise ($19.00 then) and I am sure you can buy an inexpensive vise for under $50. US. Someday, if you like to dub bodies (wrap a fur material onto shank) you should spring for a rotatary vise…. This would all cost you less than $200. but you can go crazy and see all manner of materials and gadgets. Start with basic patterns: Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Hare’s Ear, Bi-visibles, Czech/Caddis Pupa Nymph.
Now if only I lived closer to you…I would teach you and trade for one of those Loop Spey Reels for a 7wt. (lol)…Good luck and start slow. Gary
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