Paul's September 2018 Fly of the Month

Cruncher Hot Spot Pheasant Tail 

Hook:  Nymph hook; or curved nymph hook of choice size #12 to #18.

Bead:  (Optional) Gold bead or bead of choice to match the size of hook. 

Tying thread:   Black 8/0 thread.

Tail:  Dyed Black Pheasant tail fibers.

Rib:  Copper - small wire.  I like to use red wire.

Abdomen:  Wrapped Pheasant tail fibers.

Thorax/neck:  Red Holographic Tinsel.

Hackle/legs:  Dyed Black Partridge or Dyed Black Hen Hackle.

This is yet another variation of a pheasant tail nymph.  The advances in fly tying materials in recent years is truly remarkable.  You can easily purchase Pheasant Tail Feathers dyed in a variety of colors.  Although this pattern is effective all year long, it is deadly when if it is fished during the ‘early black stone hatch’ in late winter and early spring.  You can tie this fly on a curved nymph hook, with or without a bead, and with Partridge or Hen for the hackle.

To tie this fly, begin by wrapping the shank of the hook with your thread.  (I have also tied this pattern with a bead and more as a deep water nymph.)  Tie in three (3) Pheasant tail fibers for the tail.  They should be roughly a hook shank gap in length.   Tie in your small copper wire rib.  Next, depending on the size of the fly, tie in 2-4 more pheasant tail fibers by the tip.  Wrap them forward approximately 2/3rds down the hook shank to form the abdomen.  Tie and clip the excess off.  Counter rib your fly with the wire.  Tie and clip it off.  Next, for your hot spot, tie in your Holographic Red Tinsel.  You are going to wrap the tinsel to create a ‘hot spot’ on your fly.  To increase durability, you may want to dab a drop of head cement to the hook shank prior to wrapping it.  Give the tinsel 3 turns around the hook shank, then tie and clip it off.  Between the ‘hot spot’ and the hook eye (or bead) there should be enough room to tie in and wrap your hackle.   If I want a traditional wet fly profile I use Partridge.  For smaller or nymph type variations I use Hen Hackle.  After tying in your hackle of choice, take 2-3 wraps around the hook shank, stroking the feather fibers back while your wrapping.  Tie and clip the hackle off.  Whip finish your fly and apply some head cement.

There is an excellent video on how to tie this fly which was posted By Mak below:

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 at pdinice@frontier.com .