由 Hans Stephenson The Hare’s Ear Nymph is a timeless fly pattern renowned for its versatility and effectiveness in imitating a wide range of aquatic insects. Its buggy appearance, adaptability in size and color, and ability to attract various fish species make it a staple in every angler’s fly box. Below, we break down everything you need to know about this classic nymph—from tying techniques to variations and optimal fishing strategies.
What the Hare’s Ear Nymph Mimics
This pattern is designed to imitate the nymph or larval stages of aquatic insects like mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. Its natural, textured body and subtle movement in the water make it an excellent "searching pattern" when the specific hatch is unknown or fish are feeding opportunistically. The fly can be tied in different sizes and colors to match local insect species, further enhancing its realism.
How to Tie the Hare’s Ear Nymph
- Hook & Tail: Use a standard nymph hook (sizes 10–18). Create the tail using soft hackle fibers or guard hairs from a hare’s mask.
- Body: Dub hare’s ear fur directly onto the thread or use a pre-made dubbing blend for a buggy, segmented appearance.
- Ribbing (Optional): For added durability and flash, incorporate gold or copper wire.
- Thorax: Build a thicker thorax with hare’s fur or peacock herl for added bulk and movement.
- Finishing: Secure with a whip finish and apply head cement.
Variations: The Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear (GRHE) & Flashback
The GRHE (Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear) is a popular variation featuring a ribbed gold tinsel body for added flash. Some tiers also add a bead head for extra weight and sink rate.
The Flashback Hare’s Ear includes a shiny mylar or tinsel strip along the back, mimicking the gas bubble on emerging nymphs—a key trigger during insect hatches. Both variations follow the same tying steps as the classic Hare’s Ear, with the flash material added before the thorax.
Where & How to Fish the Hare’s Ear Nymph
- Water Types: Effective in rivers, streams, and stillwaters—anywhere trout, grayling, or panfish feed on nymphs.
- Techniques:
- Dead Drift: Fish under an indicator for a natural presentation.
- Euro Nymphing: Tight-line for deeper, faster currents.
- Swing & Retrieve: Let it swing through riffles to imitate active nymphs.
- Best Conditions: Ideal during hatches, cloudy days, or when fish are feeding subsurface.
Why It’s a Must-Have Fly
The Hare’s Ear Nymph’s buggy texture, lifelike movement, and adaptability make it a go-to pattern for anglers worldwide. Whether you opt for the classic version or a flashy GRHE, this fly consistently fools fish in diverse conditions.
Tie some up, hit the water, and let the Hare’s Ear work its magic! 🎣