Materials

• Hook: #14-20 Daiichi 1560
• Bead: Small Red Glass Bead
• Thread: Brown Veevus 8/0
• Tail: Pheasant Tail
• Rib: Small Red Wire
• Thorax: Peacock Herl
• Case: Medium Veevus Pearlescent Tinsel
• Legs: Red Krystal Flash

The Red Headed Step Child is a great small mayfly nymph or general attractor nymph developed by fly tying guru Hogan Brown.

The Red Headed Step Child has a similar look and profile as a pheasant tail, with just a few tweaks.  The red wire, legs and bead almost transform the Red Headed Step Child into not only a mayfly nymph, but also a attractor/searching pattern.  That makes the Red Headed Step Child a very versatile pattern, which works in a variety of situations. When in doubt tie on a Red Headed Step Child!