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The Pheasant Tail Nymph

The Pheasant Tail Nymph is the most successful nymph in a Fly Angler’s box. The PTN represents different kinds of food for the trout throughout the season. The original pattern was developed in the UK by Mr Sawyer. It is a very simple fly to tie as the whole of the fly is tied with the butt ends of Pheasant feathers, with ribbing of gold or silver. Since the original pattern, there have been many different variation’s, but for me the original pattern is still the best.

The P T N is also a very good imitation of the may fly nymph. It's is a great fly to use in small streams and rivers for brown trout and is certainly at home on still water lakes throughout the British isles, for rainbows and browns. When presenting an imitation nymph it wise to check which stage the nymph is at and what size the nymph is. An easy way is to check in the shallow waters where there is gravel or rocks, move them gently and you will find plenty of nymphs. It’s no good using a large imitation if the fish are feeding on very small nymphs.

Nymphs represent insects in the aquatic life stage. This is the stage before adulthood. (eg before it becomes a dry fly.)

The best way to fish a P T N is a short figure of eight retrieve on floating or intermediate line. The takes can be very fast and vicious, a lot of anglers when fishing a nymph for the first time miss a lot of fish. But once mastered its one of the most exciting ways to fish

Safety tip
Whether you are an experienced fly fisherman or a novice, young or old, your worst enemy when fly fishing is the wind. It in important that you wear eye protection. Sun glasses are ideal as they act as protectors for your eyes and they are also great for spotting fish. You can replace most things today but you eye sight isn’t on the replacement list!