Pheasant Tail

Written by DCarp

Pheasant Tail

RWFF Pheasant Tail

• Hook: 2X Wet Fly, Size 8-18
• Thread: Brown or Black
• Tail: Pheasant Tail
• Body: Wrapped Pheasant Tail
• Rib: Fine Gold or Copper
• Shellback: Pheasant Tail
• Thorax: Peacock Herl
• Bead Head: Gold or Copper (Optional)

HISTORY

The standard pattern developed by English River Keeper Frank Sawyer, uses the butt ends of the Pheasant to build a wing case. A useful variation is this fly tied as a gold bead head. Frank did not try to suggest legs in his design as he had observed that nymphs tuck them in when swimming. He devised the pattern for use on the River Avon in Wiltshire in Southern England. It quickly became world famous.