This fly isn’t really a new fly, just a variation of the Pheasant-Tail Nymph. However, it has a few twists on the standard. First, it is tied on a heavy-wire shorter-shank hook for more gap and strength. You want to use a hook that has the same shank length as your standard fly, but a size or two bigger. Dubbing replaces the pheasant tail, so the fly holds up better when clamped in a large trout’s teeth.
The fly is also tied to ride like a jig, but it isn’t tied on a jig hook. To make the fly flip over, a slotted bead is wedged down on the hook shank so that there is more mass on the top of the hook. And, after winding on soft hackle, that hackle is trimmed, which creates resistance. That combination of mass and resistance makes the fly flip over with the hook point up.
This fly works just about anywhere, but really shines on lakes.
10 Going On 14 Nymph
Hook: TMC 107SP, sizes 10 to 14.
Weight: Slotted tungsten copper bead to match hook.
Thread: 8/0 rusty brown.
Tail: Pheasant tail fibers.
Rib: Small copper wire.
Abdomen: Pheasant-tail-colored Antron dubbing.
Thorax: Peacock Ice Dub.
Hackle: Dark dun hen.
Tying the 10 Going On 14 Nymph
Scott Sanchez lives in Jackson, Wyoming and is one of the most creative fly tiers in the West.
