Fed’s Pheasant Tail Nymph with Centipede Legs builds on the classic Pheasant Tail Nymph, one of fly fishing’s most trusted patterns. Originally designed to imitate mayfly and other aquatic insect larvae with a natural, olive-brown profile, the Pheasant Tail excels at fooling trout and similar species. However, this variant goes a step further by adding lively centipede-style legs, which give the fly extra movement in the water. As a result, fish often notice it more readily, especially during slower currents.
To tie this pattern, you start with a Togens wet hook in sizes 14–16 and build up the thread base with black 14/0. Next, you add a tail and body of pheasant tail fibres, which create a tapered, natural silhouette. Then, ribbing of fine copper wire not only adds subtle flash, but also reinforces the body. After that, a peacock herl thorax brings contrast and depth. Finally, you fold over a touch of flash for the wing case and tie in speckled white mini centipede legs. These legs introduce motion and a slightly broader profile that can trigger investigative strikes
Materials
- Hook:Togens wet Hook 14-16
- Thread:Black 14/0
- Tail:Pheasant tail fibres
- Body:Pheasant Tail fibres
- Rib:Fine copper wire (stereo speaker wire)
- Wing Case:Flash
- Thorax:Peacock herl
- Legs:Montana Fly Company Centipede Legs. Speckled White – mini
