Pheasant Tail

Pheasant Tail Nymph - Standard / Flashback

The Pheasant Tail Nymph is one of the oldest, most trusted, and widely used nymph patterns in fly fishing. Designed to imitate a variety of small aquatic insects including mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and even midges, this versatile pattern continues to be a go-to fly for anglers around the world.

Tied with a natural pheasant tail body, peacock herl thorax, soft hackle, and available in both Standard and Flashback styles, the Pheasant Tail offers a slim, realistic profile that trout consistently recognize as food. The Flashback version adds extra visibility and attraction, especially in deeper or faster water conditions.

Smaller sizes are highly effective during midge and mayfly activity, while larger sizes imitate stonefly and caddis nymphs.

A true essential fly pattern that belongs in every angler’s fly box.

Key Features

• Classic proven nymph pattern
• Available in Standard or Flashback styles
• Natural slim buggy profile
• Effective for mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, and midges
• Excellent in rivers, streams, tailwaters, and freestone water
• Effective year-round in a wide range of conditions

Imitates

Mayfly nymphs, caddis larvae, stonefly nymphs, midges, and other aquatic insects

Styles

• Standard
• Flashback

Sizes

#10 – #20

Fishing Tips

Fish with a natural dead drift near the bottom through riffles, seams, pocket water, and deeper runs where trout feed on drifting nymphs. Smaller sizes excel during midge and mayfly hatches, while larger sizes imitate stonefly and caddis nymphs.