Bead Head CDC PTN

The Bead Head CDC PTN (proper full name Tungsten Bead Head CDC Flashback Pheasant Tail) was developed by Randall Kauffman. If tied with a tungsten bead, which is 2x heavier than lead, this fly can get down deep – and…
A family-oriented fly-fishing club covering the Port Macquarie Hastings region, NSW.
A family-oriented fly-fishing club covering the Port Macquarie Hastings region, NSW.

The Bead Head CDC PTN (proper full name Tungsten Bead Head CDC Flashback Pheasant Tail) was developed by Randall Kauffman. If tied with a tungsten bead, which is 2x heavier than lead, this fly can get down deep – and…

The Bloody Mary came about as a way, after much trial, error and experimentation, of imitating the adult and larval stages of large stoneflies. The following is, after some experimentation of his own, Paul Fedeles' variant.

The Micro Crayfish is is very versatile in the way you can fish it. It can be fished like a nymph, but also like a crayfish streamer as well. You could float it under an indicator, or put it on…
Tied by Paul Fedeles, the Shute-Hill Special is a freshwater nymph fly created specifically for fishing on the Hastings River, NSW.

The Bead Chain Caddis is an interesting variation from the vice of Ola Andersson, using ball chain to both imitate the caddis larva and provide weight. Ola's home waters in Sweden abound with caddis, and stick caddis feature heavily in his fly patterns. Along with weight, the chain also provides a nice colour highlight and has some inherent movement with its grub-like wiggle.

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!

The Hare and Copper Nymph is an easy and effective fly to tie. Arguably NZ's most popular nymph and the first nymph most beginner tiers will tackle. The Hare and Copper Nymph catches fish throughout the country in a variety of waters. The standard pattern is tied without a bead, with or without weight, depending on the fishing situation.
The Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph 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. Pearl Lurex gives a wonderful flash and sparkle to any fly and only a small amount of the material is used to keep the effect as subtle as possible.
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.