NymphGuides Choice Hares Ear

The Guides Choice Hares Ear is a variant of the original Hares Ear nymph, but with a hot spot and soft hackle to make it more attractive to fish. It's a versatile fly that imitates a broad range of aquatic insects including mayfly nymphs, caddis larvae, and small stoneflies.

Season
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Guides Choice Hares Ear - Image source: AvidMax
Image source: AvidMax

Overview

A modern twist on the classic, this version includes a soft hackle collar (usually partridge), a bead head for weight, and a hotspot or flash ribbing. The buggy body of hare's ear remains, making it a go-to attractor nymph for guides across the country.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Stillwater
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Imitates: Mayfly Nymphs, Caddis Larvae, Small Stoneflies
Variant of: Hares Ear

Materials

Hook: Tiemco 5262, sizes #14-18
Bead: Gold Tungsten Bead 7/64
Weight: .015 Lead Free Wire
Thread: Red Veevus 14/0
Tail: Partridge Feather or Natural or Brown Coq De Leon Hen
Body: Ginger Hare's Mask Dubbing
Rib: Pearl Krystal Flash
Flashback: Large Mirage Tinsel
Thorax: Peacock Herl
Collar: Partridge Feather or Natural or Brown Coq De Leon Hen

Fishing Tips

Season

Year Round

Presentation

Dead drift along the bottom

When to Use

When fish are feeding on nymphs or larvae

Water Type

Effective in both stillwaters and moving waters

Rigging Suggestions

Can be used as a lead fly in a tandem rig, or under an indicator

Visibility & Floatation

The gold bead helps to get the fly down quickly and adds flash.

Additional Videos