This is another pattern that utilises the feathers of the pheasant. This pattern, however, is tied with the centre tail feather of the hen pheasant which is a lot softer than the male counterpart.

This fly may be fished on the river or any still water although I understand it was originally developed for still waters. In yellow and olive I think it is a great damsel and olive nymph imitation.

The dressing is as follows.

• Hook: Size of choice. The one photographed below is size 14
• Tail: Centre tail of a hen pheasant ( The one used in the example is dyed yellow)
• Rib: Copper wire
• Thorax: Olive Dubbing (Or suitable for the natural)
• Legs: Hen pheasant centre tail feather fibres
• Thorax Cover: Hen pheasant centre tail feather fibres
• Silk: Black or to suit natural

Attach tying silk with a jam knot.

Tie in ribbing material along the length of the shank but on its underside.

With two turns of silk trap down the fibres of hen pheasant and then take the silk to the area just past the midway point on the shank. I normally tie in 4 to 5 fibres of hen pheasant tail.

Now wind the fibres in touching turns down the shank of the body to the point where you have placed the silk and tie in again with two turns of silk.

Rib the body with 4 to 5 turns of the copper wire but remember to wind in the opposite direction to that of the body material. This will give added strength to the fly and protect it from those toothy trout that you will catch with it.

Tie in and secure both the rib and the waste tail fibre and remove any waste that goes beyond the head.

Tie in some more fibres from the hen pheasant tail. You will need at least 10 to 12 fibres. This bit is important. Measure the length of the fibre with the tips just passing back beyond the tail. By passing I mean by only 2 to 3 mm for a size 14 hook. Bind in the fibres on top of the hook as shown above.

Dub on your dubbing to the silk with your finger and thumb. Only dub in one direction otherwise the dubbing will be robbed on and off in each movement.

I know its obvious but you will be amazed at how often someone will do it subconsciously.

Wind on the dubbing thorax and create a shape as shown above.

Take the fibres of the pheasant tail and pull them forward and create the thorax cover. Secure the fibres with two turns only of silk.

You must now evenly split the fibres and stroke them backwards. It is up to you whether or not you want to stroke them back and down or just straight back to the sides of the fly. Once you have stroked them back take two turns at the head over them to keep them in place.

Whip finish and varnish and the fly is complete.

If you have any questions then ask them through the forum.