A cross between the Gold-Ribbed Hare's Ear nymph and the soft hackle wet fly, this pattern excels swung on the downstream pass. The partridge collar pulses in the current, imitating a struggling emerger.
1. Thread base — Attach tan thread behind the eye and build a base to the bend.
2. Tail — Tie in a small pinch of hare's mask guard hairs at the bend.
3. Rib — Tie in fine gold wire at the bend.
4. Body — Dub a rough, moderately full hare's ear body from the bend to the 3/4 point. The body should look shaggy — don't over-smooth it.
5. Rib — Wind gold wire forward in evenly spaced turns. Tie off and trim.
6. Hackle — Tie in a partridge back feather by the tip. Wind 1–2 turns as a soft, sparse collar. Stroke fibers rearward and tie off.
7. Head — Build a neat head. Whip finish and apply head cement.
Seasons
Water conditions
hook
thread
tail
rib
body
hackle
Baetis spp.
Ephemerella dorothea / invaria
Hydropsyche spp.
