NymphBead-head Pheasant Tail
The Bead-head Pheasant Tail is a highly realistic nymph pattern that imitates a wide variety of aquatic insect larvae, including mayflies, midges, and small stoneflies. The bead head adds weight, helping the fly sink quickly to the feeding zone of the fish.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
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Overview
A foundational nymph pattern, the Bead-head Pheasant Tail uses natural pheasant tail fibers for both tail and body, ribbed with fine copper wire for durability and segmentation. The addition of a gold or tungsten bead helps the fly sink quickly. This pattern is straightforward to tie, and its effectiveness comes from clean proportions and tight material control.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 3769, size #12–#16
Bead: Gold tungsten, 3/32-inch
Thread: Brown 8/0 Uni-Thread
Tail: Pheasant tail fibers
Body: Pheasant tail fibers
Ribbing: Copper wire
Thorax: Peacock herl
Fishing Tips
Season
This pattern can be effective year-round.
Presentation
Present with a dead drift or a slow retrieve in stillwater.
When to Use
Use this fly when you suspect trout are feeding on mayfly nymphs or other small aquatic insects.
Water Type
This fly is versatile and can be used in both stillwater and moving water.
Rigging Suggestions
Use it as a point fly in a nymphing rig or on a dropper behind a larger nymph or streamer.
Visibility & Floatation
The bead head helps this fly sink quickly, and the pheasant tail fibers give it a realistic, undulating movement underwater.
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