Paul's December 2014 Fly of the Month

Euro Jig Pheasant Tail

Hook:  Jig Hook Size #10-#18.  I use Allen Fly Fishing J100 BL hooks.

Tying thread:   UTC 70 denier Black or brown.

Bead:  Black tungsten bead.

Tail:  Cul de leon feather fibers.

Abdomen:  Pheasant Tail fibers.

Rib:   Copper Ultra-wire ‘brassie’ sized wire.

Hot Spot:  UV Hot Orange or Hot Pink Ice Dub.

Thorax:  Natures Spirit Emergence Dubbing.

This has quickly become one of my “go to” nymphs.  With regard to jig hooks, I’ve never seen anything like them in terms of how fast they get down in the water column.  Most importantly, they catch fish.  I use Allen J100BL jig hooks.  They are black and barbless.  Be aware that the shank on a jig hook runs smaller than a traditional nymph hook.  I tie most of mine on a Size #10 hook.  In reality it results in a Size #12 or #14 nymph.

Begin by placing your black tungsten bead on the hook.  Some tyers use “slotted beads” when tying on a jig hook.  I haven’t had any problem using a traditional bead.  Next begin your thread behind the bead and wind down to the bend in the hook.  Tie in your Cul de leon fibers to create a tail.  The tail should be approximately the length of the hook shank.  Next, tie in your copper wire for a rib.  Now tie in 5-6 pheasant tail fibers by the tips.  Starting at the hook bend wrap the fibers forward just as you would a traditional pheasant tail nymph.  Tie off making sure you have left in enough room for your “hot spot” and thorax.  Next, dub your hot spot.  It should be approximately two (2) wraps around the hook shank.  For the rest of the thorax or collar you are going to use a different tying technique.  Take small clumps of dubbing and tie them in behind the bead.  Stroke the fibers back to create a veil or collar similar to that of a hackled wet fly.  An alternative to this method is to use a dubbing loop and make a couple wraps right behind the bead.  Remember to stoke the fibers back.  Tie off your fly and apply some head cement to the end wraps. 

A gentleman by the name of Hans Stephenson has a great instructional video on how to tie this pattern.

 If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of the Month, I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or e-mail me at pdinice@frontier.com .  This pattern can also be viewed at www.hffa.net .