How to Tie It
The Shuttlecock Fly is crafted with a short-shank hook, fine thread, and minimal materials to replicate an emerging insect. The body, made from dubbing or floss in natural hues, is wrapped to form a slender profile. A small CDC feather tuft at the front mimics the wing of an emerging insect, while an optional hackle or synthetic fibers add leg-like movement. Customize size and color to match local hatches.
What It Mimics
This fly imitates mayflies, caddisflies, and midges during their vulnerable transition from nymph/pupa to adult. The CDC wing creates a lifelike silhouette on the water’s surface, enticing feeding fish.
Where and How to Fish It
Effective in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, the Shuttlecock Fly shines during hatches when fish target emerging insects. Present it gently on the surface, allowing a natural dead drift. For added realism, employ subtle twitches or lifts to mimic struggling insects.
(Note: "Shuttercock" in the original was corrected to "Shuttlecock" for accuracy.)
The Magnus is a versatile Danish streamer pattern that mimics various baitfish and shrimp, effective in both freshwater and saltwater.
How to Tie the Magnus Fly
The Magnus is tied on a streamer or long-shank hook. Its base is typically made of chenille, dubbed fur, or floss in colors like black, olive, or white. The tail consists of marabou or soft hackle fibers for lifelike movement.
The body is crafted from a thick bunch of bucktail or marabou, tied along the hook shank and extending past the tail to replicate the profile of baitfish, crayfish, or shrimp. A throat hackle or soft hackle fibers can be added beneath the hook for extra motion and contrast.
To finish, the thread is wrapped to form a compact, secure head. A drop of head cement ensures durability.
What It Mimics
The Magnus fly realistically imitates baitfish, crayfish, and shrimp. Its natural silhouette, dynamic movement, and vibrant colors make it an excellent all-around pattern for predatory fish.
Where to Use It
Effective in both freshwater and saltwater, the Magnus is primarily used for sea trout and salmon. Its Danish origins are no surprise—Denmark boasts some of the world’s finest sea trout and salmon fisheries!
(Note: The revised version improves clarity, removes redundancy, and enhances readability while maintaining the original meaning.)
Overview
The Brassie is a minimalist yet heavily weighted nymph fly, designed to imitate small aquatic larvae with precision.
How to Tie
- Hook & Body: Use a short-shank hook (sizes 18–22). Wrap copper or brass wire tightly to form a slim, cylindrical body, giving the fly its signature weight and flash for quick sinking and underwater visibility.
- Thorax & Finish: Add peacock herl for iridescence and natural appeal. Complete with a thread head, whip finish, and head cement for durability.
- Skill Tip: Achieving a neat wire body and securing delicate peacock herl requires practice to avoid damage.
What It Mimics
This versatile pattern imitates small aquatic larvae like midge or caddis larvae. Its slim profile and metallic flash also make it effective for midge pupae and small mayfly nymphs.
Where to Use
Ideal for diverse water conditions:
- Rivers/Streams: Its weight helps it reach deeper currents.
- Lakes/Ponds: Effective for fast-sinking nymph presentations in still waters.
Fly Tying Video
For a step-by-step guide, check out the Brassie tying video [insert link if available].
(Edits: Improved conciseness, fixed redundancy, and enhanced flow while preserving key details.)
Hare’s Ear Nymph
A classic nymph pattern that imitates various insects, featuring a hare’s ear fur body and adaptable sizes/colors.
How to Tie the Hare’s Ear Nymph
The Hare’s Ear Nymph is tied on a standard nymph hook, typically in sizes 10 to 18. The tail is made from soft hackle feather fibers or guard hairs from a hare’s mask. The body consists of hare’s ear fur, either dubbed directly onto the thread or using a pre-made dubbing blend.
GRHE: Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear
GRHE (Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear) is a popular variation of the Hare’s Ear, often called the Flashback Hare’s Ear. It features a shiny tinsel ribbing for added flash and sometimes includes a bead for extra weight (as seen in the classic Hare’s Ear above).
The flashback mimics the gas bubble that forms on nymphs just before they hatch—a stage when insects are highly vulnerable and eagerly targeted by fish.
Tying the Flashback Hare’s Ear follows the same steps as the standard version, with the key addition of flashback material after forming the body but before creating the thorax. This ensures the material sits neatly on the fly’s back, imitating the natural gas bubble.
What the Hare’s Ear Nymph Imitates
This versatile pattern mimics various aquatic insects in their nymphal stage, including mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. Its buggy appearance and adaptable design make it an excellent "searching pattern" when fish aren’t targeting a specific insect. It can be tied in different sizes and colors to match local nymphs.
Where to Use the Hare’s Ear Nymph
Effective in nearly all freshwater environments, the Hare’s Ear Nymph works well for trout, grayling, and panfish. It can be fished using multiple techniques:
- Dead drifting under an indicator
- Tight-line nymphing (Euronymphing)
- Swinging through riffles and pocket water
Its versatility and proven success make it a must-have in any fly angler’s box.