Euro NymphsGuide's Choice Hare's Ear Jig
A guide-approved variation of the classic hare's ear nymph optimized for Euro nymphing techniques. The jig hook presentation and tungsten bead ensure quick sink rates, while the prominent wing case and copper accents provide flash and visibility. Designed to be a reliable producer in diverse water conditions, this pattern combines traditional materials with modern competition methods.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Featured by Fly Fish Food, this pattern represents the evolution of the classic hare's ear nymph into the euro nymphing era. The addition of a prominent wing case distinguishes this variation from standard hare's ear patterns, adding both visual appeal and realism. Guides favor this pattern for its versatility across multiple hatches and water types. The copper wire ribbing reinforces the body while creating segmentation and subtle flash that attracts attention in fast currents.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook, size #14
Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, brown
Bead: Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten Beads, 3.5mm, copper
Tail: Whiting Coq De Leon Euro Nymph Tailing Pack, Dark Pardo
Body: Hare's Ear Dubbing, natural
Rib: UTC Ultra Wire, copper, brassie
Wing Case: Thin Skin, Mottled Oak
Thorax: Hare's Ear Dubbing, dark
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as a searching pattern. Particularly productive during spring mayfly emergences from March through May when nymphs are active near the bottom. Also excellent during fall caddis activity and winter months when trout are feeding deep on dislodged nymphs and larvae.
Presentation
Fish using tight-line euro nymphing techniques with minimal or no indicator. Cast upstream at a 45-degree angle and maintain direct contact throughout the drift. The tungsten bead provides quick depth penetration, allowing you to reach feeding zones rapidly. Use high-stick techniques and follow the drift downstream while keeping tension on the line.
When to Use
Deploy when trout are feeding subsurface on mayfly nymphs or caddis larvae. Excellent searching pattern when no visible hatch is occurring. The natural hare's ear coloring works well in clear to slightly off-color water. Most effective during active feeding periods in riffles and runs where trout are holding in faster currents.
Water Type
Designed for moving water including pocket water, riffles, runs, and pool heads. Most effective in depths of 2-5 feet where the quick sink rate reaches feeding zones quickly. Works particularly well in freestone streams and tailwaters with moderate to fast currents. The jig hook design reduces snags in rocky bottom structure.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader with 4X-5X fluorocarbon tippet for optimal presentation. Use as the point fly in a two-fly euro nymphing rig with a lighter pattern 18-24 inches above. The 3.5mm tungsten bead typically provides sufficient weight without additional split shot. Add a sighter section 3-4 feet from the flies for better strike detection in technical presentations.
Visibility & Floatation
The 3.5mm copper tungsten bead provides moderate to fast sink rate, reaching depths of 3-4 feet quickly in moving water. The copper coloring matches natural aquatic environments while providing subtle flash. The mottled oak wing case creates realistic segmentation visible to feeding trout. The natural hare's ear body maintains a buggy profile with trapped air bubbles that add lifelike appearance. The jig hook keeps the fly riding point-up for natural drift orientation.
