Need A Review Of Some Fly Descriptions

[Chase Replogle]

I have been working on writing some basic introduction for common flies. I'd love to get some feedback.

Was it helpful?

Was it accurate?

Is there something more I should include?

Thanks for your help.

Chase

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The Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph

The gold ribbed hare’s ear and pheasant tail are consistently America’s most purchased nymphs. It’s likely that more trout have been caught on these two flies then on the next 10 combined. Any angler worth the weight of his fly line should know them, carry them, and fish them well.

Many flies are tied to precisely imitate a specific aquatic insect, the hare’s ear nymph is not one of them. We don’t know exactly what trout see or love about it, but we know it works. Most likely, it imitates a large range of under water bugs. Beneath the surface, the bristly fur fibers may imitate the small legs and gills of a may fly nymph or the shedding case of a caddis. Tied in a darker shade and larger size it may even pass as a stone fly nymph.

Looking at the fly only confirm’s its “buggy” reputation. There seems to be a bit of magic in the unkept fibers that form its shape and give it life. Drifting beneath the surface, these fibers look as natural and alive as any insect a trout would expect to encounter. The gold wire twisted around its body is meant to imitate the segmentation of an insect’s thorax. Often a gold bead is added to the head of the fly to help it sink more rapidly. I have included the more traditional thread version. The hare’s ear is most often fished in sizes 14 to 18. It can be fished in larger sizes, when a more robust nymph, such as the stone fly, is called for.

Part of the fly’s success is due to its flexibility in both where and how it can be fished. From bolder formed rapids to wiry spring fed creeks, the hare’s ear catches trout just about everywhere. The most common presentation is the traditional dead-drift. Cast up and across, the hare’s ear should tumble along or near the bottom, most likely fished beneath an indicator. When the fly reaches the end of its drift, allow it to swing to the surface as the line pulls taught. The fly will slowly rise from the stream bed, imitating a tiny insect rising to hatch. If fishing deep water, sink-putty can be added, about a foot above the fly. In still water, such as lakes and ponds, the hare’s ear can be slowly stripped in toward the bank. It has been known to even attract the attention of predators, such as the bass.

When considering the hare’s ear, look for insects in the water, usually beneath rocks or logs. Look for wide leggy insects and try to match the size and color of your fly with what you observe. Hare’s ears seem to be most effective in rocky streams, allowing insects to more easily cling to the bottom. If there are no indications of what the trout are eating, the hare’s ear is a great nymph for prospecting.

Wherever and however you choose to fish it, the gold ribbed hare’s ear nymph is a trusted companion you should never step into the water without.

[jdmidwest]

The Hare's Ear is tyed to simulate a mayfly nymph or clinger. The body shape and color seems to match the natural.

[Chase Replogle]

Thanks, jdmidwest. Great photo. Definitely hard to miss the similarities.

The Hare's Ear is tyed to simulate a mayfly nymph or clinger. The body shape and color seems to match the natural.

[jgentile]

I have been working on writing some basic introduction for common flies. I'd love to get some feedback.

I have included the more traditional thread version. The hare’s ear is most often fished in sizes 14 to 18. It can be fished in larger sizes, when a more robust nymph, such as the stone fly, is called for.

Part of the fly’s success is due to its flexibility in both where and how it can be fished. From boulder formed rapids to wiry spring fed creeks, the hare’s ear catches trout just about everywhere. The most common presentation is the traditional dead-drift. Cast up and across, the hare’s ear should tumble along or near the bottom, most likely fished beneath an indicator. When the fly reaches the end of its drift, allow it to swing to the surface as the line pulls taught. The fly will slowly rise from the stream bed, imitating a tiny insect rising to hatch. If fishing deep water, sink-putty or split shot can be added, about 8-12" above the fly. In still water, such as lakes and ponds, the hare’s ear can be slowly stripped in toward the bank. It has been known to even attract the attention of warm water predators, such as the bass.

Hello,

It is pretty well thought out. Here are a few thoughts from my initial reading. Omissions, corrections, and inclusions.

Hope this helps.

Joe

[Chase Replogle]

jgentile,

Thank you so much for your input. I really appreciate it. I think the corrections you made are big improvements. Thanks again for your help.

Chase

Hello,

It is pretty well thought out. Here are a few thoughts from my initial reading. Omissions, corrections, and inclusions.

Hope this helps.

Joe

[Wayne SW/MO]

Sounds pretty good to me as written. I know from experience they are very effective in western waters with boulder strewn rapids. I'm not sure I agree with the term "boulder formed" however. I know that while many rivers in the NW have boulder strewn rapids, the boulders and rapids are a product of the geology, but from different action.

[Chase Replogle]

Wayne,

I think you're right. The phrase isn't precise enough. I like your term, "boulder strewn."

Thanks again for the input. I really appreciate it.

Chase

Sounds pretty good to me as written. I know from experience they are very effective in western waters with boulder strewn rapids. I'm not sure I agree with the term "boulder formed" however. I know that while many rivers in the NW have boulder strewn rapids, the boulders and rapids are a product of the geology, but from different action.