This pattern is a variation of the classic Pheasant Tail Nymph. It’s body, tail and rib are the same as the original, but the thorax of this pattern includes a few strands of pearl Lurex laid over the peacock herl.
The Fly Tyers Bible, pp. 36-37
Throughout Australia the Red Tag is excellent fished to surface feeding trout in rivers or still water (it is also a must-have for herring!). The fly is a half imitator and half attractor; the red tag, the peacock herl and to some extent the brown hackle attracting the fish.
Designed by Terry Griffiths and Peter Gathercole in the 1960s, the Tadpole takes the use of turkey marabou for highly mobile wings and tails to it’s logical conclusion. The Tadpole’s tail is highly mobile and much longer than its body, giving it plenty of movement in still water.
Materials
- Hook: size 8 – 10
- Ice dubbing (olive or fluoro green)
- Thread: green or mono
If you are chasing Luderick then this is the fly you need!
Designed to represent the natural seaweed that they eat this fly just has to be put in front of them and they will eat it.
Source: InTheRIffle.com
The Flashtail Whistler is a great fly for Pike, Peacock Bass and Largemouth Bass. It is a large profiled baitfish pattern that “whistles” when cast (due to the large bead chain eyes).
The Flashtail Whistler can also be used in saltwater applications for offshore species and jacks.
The Cat’s Whisker is one of the best, if not the best, when it comes to stillwater trout fishing. There are many variations but the original remains as effective today as it was decades ago when Bob Church popularised the pattern after being given a handful to try by its inventor David Train.
Materials
- Hook: Size 6 2x
- Thread: Yellow or clear mono
- Body: Double layer yellow/green or fawn/green
- Wing case: Yellow
- Legs: Green, yellow, fawn or brown – your choice
Instructions
- Cut out the shape of your hopper – about 40-50mm long by 5mm wide.
This is the classic all-purpose nymph, effective for many game-fish species in all water types. The key to its success is the mottled brown hues of the hare’s fur that can suggest all manner of small aquatic insect larvae or crustaceans.
This is a very versatile pattern that will catch fish on virtually any lake or river. The key to its success is plenty of action, provided by a closely palmered hackle and a tail of soft turkey maribou.
It also has a heavily weighted underbelly formed from close turns of lead wire.
A classic caddis pattern used the world over. Simply substitute the body and wing colour to suit; the tying principals remain the same. It floats very well and is even very good skated across and down to rising fish slashing the naturals from the surface late in the day.