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 for 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 are Gold Ribber versions of the Hares Ear Nymph.
This day in time, the 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 Bead Head version of the Gold Ribbed Hares
Ear Nymph is covered under a separate section of this site.
The 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 Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph trout fly can be fished with added
weight, or as it comes. It can be greased up and used to imitate
emerging nymphs. 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.
Be sure to also see the Bead Head Version of the Gold Ribbed Hares
Ear Nymph.
