Hook Size 12/14/16/18
The hare’s ear nymph may well be the oldest fly known to man. It was
around in the early European history books. It isn’t known for certain who
tied the first Hares Ear Nymph fly. A Victorian tier named James Ogden is
often given credit fo it. It’s also thought that a Mr. Frederick Halford made a
version that was at one time used as a dry fly in the late 1880’s. It’s certainly
one of if not the most popular nymph used for trout fishing. The fly is a must
have fly for everyone.
Most modern versions, and when we say “modern”, we mean within the last
thirty years, are Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hare Ear Nymphs. This day in
time, the Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph trout fly is the one to
have along with it’s newest version, the Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hares Ear
Nymph. The plain version of the Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph is covered
under a separate section of this site.
The Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph imitates a variety of smaller
nymphs that are found in rivers and lakes. It isn’t an imitation of any
particular insect but rather a general fly pattern that does one thing very
well – catch trout. From an impressionistic standpoint, the shaggy
appearance of the fly resembles a lot of different species of mayfly nymphs
and does and okay job of imitating stonefly nymphs. The few long hairs
coming from the body of the fly is assumed useful in fooling the trout into
accepting the fly as a real live nymph as it moves through the water.
The Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph trout fly can be fished with
added weight, or as it comes. It can be fished with or without a strike
indicator. It is best fished in an up and across manner but can also be swing
down and across depending on the type of water and species of fish your
after.
