Pheasant Tail Nymph
The Pheasant Tail Nymph is, in our opinion, the most famous and effective nymph of all in fly fishing!
The Pheasant Tail Nymph is, in our opinion, the most famous and effective nymph of all in fly fishing! It’s also a true classic that no fly box should be without. Originally created in the 1950s by Englishman Frank Sawyer, it was designed to imitate the slender bodies of mayfly nymphs (Baetis species).
Its name comes from the main material used: tail feathers of a cock pheasant (Pheasant = pheasant, Tail = tail). Its natural look is distinctive: the body is made from pheasant fibres, usually ribbed with fine copper wire to add durability and some weight. It avoids unnecessary frills and catches precisely because of that – especially in clear water with wary fish. The Pheasant Tail is extremely versatile: it works in rivers and lakes, in fast or slow current, in spring and in autumn.
We offer many variations, such as with gold bead heads, CDC hackle, or as a micro-nymph for delicate presentations. Whether it’s brown trout, grayling or rainbow – you can rarely go wrong with the Pheasant Tail. A real all-rounder, even for demanding conditions.