Gold Bead Hare’s Ear Nymph – A versatile and effective fly pattern that imitates a variety of nymphs, including mayflies, caddis and small stoneflies. This fly is just plain buggy…and fish cannot resist it. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to tie this nymph.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hook and Bead

Start by placing a gold bead onto the hook. The bead should rest at the hook eye.

Secure the hook in the vise and wrap 10 to 12 turns of .010 lead-free wire around the shank to add additional weight. Push the lead up into the bead to secure the bead.

Step 2: Attach the Thread

Begin wrapping the olive or brown 6/0 thread behind the bead and over the lead-free wire to secure it in place

Step 3: Create the Tail

Select several pheasant-tail fibers, align their tips prior to pulling off , and strip them from the stem. Trim any curly ends

Tie the pheasant-tail fibers at the bend of the hook to form the tail, ensuring they are evenly distributed

Step 4: Add the Rib

Cut an 8 to 10-inch length of gold Ultra Wire and tie it in at the base of the tail. This will be used later to rib the fly

Step 5: Form the Abdomen

Create a dubbing blend using hare’s mask and rabbit-fur. This mix should be spiky and well-marked

Dub the thread with this blend and wrap it forward to form the abdomen, stopping just behind the bead

Step 6: Rib the Fly

Wrap the gold Ultra Wire in even, open turns over the dubbed abdomen to create a ribbed effect. Secure the wire and trim any excess

Step 7: Create the Wingcase and Thorax

Tie in another bunch of 10-12 pheasant-tail fibers or turkey fibers at the point where the abdomen ends. These fibers will form the wingcase

Dub more of the hare’s mask and rabbit-fur blend onto the thread and wrap it to form the thorax, which should be bulkier than the abdomen

Step 8: Finish the Wingcase

Pull the pheasant-tail fibers over the thorax to form the wingcase and secure them just behind the bead. Trim any excess fibers

Optionally, coat the wingcase with UV Clear Fly Finish or head cement to add durability and a glossy finish

Step 9: Final Touches

Use a bit of velcro to rough up the body, making the fly’s guard hairs stand out and giving it a more natural appearance

Whip finish the thread behind the bead and trim any excess

Customization

By using different colors of pheasant tail, rabbit fur dubbing, and hare’s mask guard hairs, you can create flies that more closely resemble the natural insects in your fishing area. To make a flashback, tie in some flash prior to tying in the wing case. After pulling the wing case forward, pull the flash forward to form a wing case with some flash as well.