The Tangled Tackle

The Pheasant Tail Nymph

The Pheasant Tail Nymph (PTN) is a widely celebrated entity in the world of fly fishing, often referred to as Sawyer's Pheasant Tail. This versatile fly effectively mimics a multitude of olive and olive-brown colored aquatic insect larvae, most notably the mayfly nymph, making it a go-to choice for anglers targeting trout and grayling.

The PTN is a master of disguise that deceives even the most vigilant fish with its refined construction of copper wire and pheasant tail fibers. The copper wire gives the fly the requisite weight for submerging further into the water and adds a dash of brightness to the otherwise muted appearance of the fly. Unlike most of its peers, the Pheasant Tail Nymph has shorter legs, a detail influenced by the observation that mayfly nymphs float in streams with their legs folded against their bodies.

In swift water or the enticing depths of chalk stream river beds, the Pheasant Tail Nymph is a consistent performer. Its ability to impersonate a range of insects and aquatic life gives it an edge, often being the pattern that turns a slow fishing day around. Both weighted and unweighted versions of the PTN hold their merit, each delivering results under the right conditions.

With over half a century of acclaim in the fly fishing arenas of both England and America, the Pheasant Tail Nymph's enduring appeal is a testament to its ingenious design, which marries practical knowledge of aquatic insect behavior with the understanding of fish feeding habits. This well-recognized pattern will continue to take pride of place among the finest nymph imitations in the realm of fly fishing.

Pheasant Tail Nymph

When to Fish the Pheasant Tail Nymph

The Pheasant Tail Nymph's versatility makes it a year-round fishing companion. It is as useful on a small river as it is on a larger stillwater body.

Its value comes to the fore during Mayfly and Midge hatches, particularly in the UK, when it convincingly imitates the agile darter nymphs, especially the Lake Olive (Cloëon simile) and Pond Olive (Cloëon dipterum).

In chalk streams or spring creeks, where trout hold the best feeding positions, the Pheasant Tail Nymph also shines. It's especially effective when fished in shallow areas near weed beds. On stillwaters, it becomes deadly when retrieved slowly just below the surface, specifically during midday.

Moreover, during the Callibaetis season on lakes, the Pheasant Tail Nymph proves itself a valuable asset. Fishing an unweighted version under a CDC caddis and drifting it over a slow tail out often yields fantastic results.

These are just a few specific contexts where the Pheasant Tail Nymph excels. However, its versatile nature and broadly accurate nymph imitation means it will likely prove a worthy addition to your fly arsenal in a host of other scenarios.

How to Fish the Pheasant Tail Nymph

Fishing with the Pheasant Tail Nymph involves adopting various methods that cater to the diverse habitats and feeding behaviors of trout and grayling. One such approach is the "Induced Take", a technique devised specifically for this nymph.

On streams and rivers, the Pheasant Tail Nymph is typically allowed to sink near the river bed on a dead drift and then gently raised in the water to imitate the natural insect. This tactic effectively convinces trout to regard the fly as natural food, spurring them to eat it and enabling the angler to set the hook.

In chalk streams and spring creeks, where trout often occupy the best feeding positions, cast your Pheasant Tail upstream and let the current present the nymph naturally. Alternatively, you could cast across the stream, letting the fly sink, then halt the line, allowing the fly to rise as it nears the feeding trout. Stay alert to any movement and, if detected, gently lift the rod tip to set the hook.

On lakes, especially during midday in the Callibaetis season, the Pheasant Tail Nymph proves highly effective. Use a floating line with a greased sunk leader, retrieving the fly slowly just below the surface. Focusing on shallow areas near weed beds can often lead to successful catches.

Remember, adaptability is crucial. No two bodies of water or fish behaviors are exactly the same, so adjust your technique and presentation as required.

The History of the Pheasant Tail Nymph

The Pheasant Tail Nymph's history is rooted in the picturesque chalk streams of Hampshire Avon, where riverkeeper Frank Sawyer first conceived and tied this pattern in 1958.

Sawyer was a passionate angler whose deep understanding of the river's aquatic life inspired this creation. A true pioneer of nymph fishing and close friend of G. E. M. Skues, he crafted the Pheasant Tail Nymph using wire and short-legged pheasant tail fibers to mimic the appearance of a typical mayfly nymph suspended in flow.

Sawyer's contribution to fly fishing extended beyond introducing a new pattern. His 1958 book "Nymphs and the Trout" offered detailed guidance on tying and fishing the Pheasant Tail Nymph and remains a recommended classic for those eager to master nymph fishing.

Since its creation on the tranquil waters of Hampshire Avon, the Pheasant Tail Nymph has gained popularity on trout streams worldwide. Over 60 years later, its influence remains strong, a testament to Frank Sawyer's genius and the enduring charm of fly fishing.

How to Tie the Pheasant Tail Nymph

Pheasant Tail Nymph

Materials

Tying Instructions

  1. Secure the hook in the vise. Ensure it's stable and adjusted as needed to provide a sturdy base to work on.
  2. Attach your thread at the hook’s eye and wrap it smoothly toward the bend of the hook, stopping just before reaching it.
  3. Take a small bunch of pheasant tail fibers (4-6 fibers), tie them in at the hook's bend to form the nymph's tail. The tail's length should be roughly equivalent to the hook's shank length.
  4. Bring your thread back towards the eye of the hook. Cut a length of fine copper wire and wrap it along the hook shank from the tail to the eye, securing it with the thread.
  5. Twist the remaining pheasant tail fibers together and wrap them towards the eye to form the body of the nymph. Leave some space near the hook eye for the thorax and head.
  6. Once satisfied with the body, wrap the copper wire in the opposite direction to the fibers to create a segmented effect. Secure the wire with several turns of thread when reaching the head and then trim off the excess.
  7. For the thorax, tie another bunch of pheasant tail fibers where the body ends, with their tips pointing towards the hook eye.
  8. Fold the fibers back over the thorax to form a shellback, securing them with the thread just behind the eye of the hook.
  9. Finally, form a tidy head with the thread, secure with a whip finish, and trim the thread. You may add a drop of head cement or clear nail polish to the whip finish for durability.
  10. Congratulations, you've just tied your Pheasant Tail Nymph.

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