NymphGray Ugly
The Gray Ugly is a simple but effective wet fly pattern that combines the fish-catching appeal of peacock herl with the subtle motion of palmered grizzly hackle. This minimalist pattern uses just three materials beyond hook and thread, yet consistently produces fish in a variety of conditions. The iridescent peacock herl body provides natural flash and color variation, while the palmered hackle creates a buggy profile that suggests a wide range of aquatic insects.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box demonstrates that sometimes the simplest patterns are the most effective. The Gray Ugly strips away unnecessary complexity to focus on the two most proven fish-catching materials in fly tying - peacock herl and grizzly hackle. The pattern works equally well fished wet or dry, making it an incredibly versatile addition to any fly box. The Tiemco 5262 2XL nymph hook provides an elongated profile that works well for both nymph and wet fly presentations.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 5262, #12
Thread: UNI 8/0, black
Hackle: Rooster Cape (or Saddle), grizzly
Body: Peacock Herl
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as a general attractor pattern. Works in virtually any trout water regardless of hatch activity.
Presentation
Fish wet with a swing or dead drift, or fish dry on the surface. The versatility of this pattern allows it to be presented in nearly any manner. Swing it through runs, dead drift it through riffles, or fish it in the surface film.
When to Use
Select this pattern when you need a simple, confidence-inspiring fly that consistently catches fish. Excellent as a searching pattern when no hatch is evident, or as a dropper behind a dry fly.
Water Type
Effective in all types of moving water from small mountain streams to large rivers. The pattern's simplicity makes it effective across a wide range of conditions.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader with 4X-5X tippet. Use as a single wet fly, as part of a multi-fly nymph rig, or as a dropper behind a larger dry fly.
Visibility & Floatation
The peacock herl body provides natural iridescence that attracts fish. When fished wet, the grizzly hackle provides subtle movement. Apply floatant if fishing on top, or fish unweighted to ride just below the surface.
