American Pheasant Tail - Trout Fly Tying for Beginners

A true classic fly pattern, the Pheasant Tail nymph originated in England in the 1930s and came over to America in the 1950s and has been a favorite fish catcher ever since. The American Pheasant Tail is one of the easiest flies to learn to tie and no trout fisherman should be without a few of these in their fly box.
Hook: Nymph, #14-18
Weight: 0.015 or 0.020 diameter
Thread: Brown
Tail: Pheasant tail fibers
Rib: Copper wire
Body: Pheasant tail fibers
Thorax: Peacock herl
Wingcase: Pheasant tail fibers
Legs: Pheasant tail fibers
Savage Flies is a project (named after one of my homewaters, the Savage River in Western Maryland, US). I've been trout fishing for many years but have only been tying for the last couple and am learning more every week. If you have any pointers on techniques that would help, I would love to hear them in the comments.

[@dwighthartman6681]

This looks like it is going to be a lot of fun, I think I may enter just for the fun of it.

[@SavageFlies]

Heck yeah, Dwight. Please do! The more the merrier. :-)

[@jeffreystone7327]

I really like this fly. Again using the Peacock Herl, tips the scale to my liking. As for the Pheasant, a total thing of beauty. In fact I just ordered my first Ringneck Pheasant skin from J Stockard Fly Shop. A #1 grade skin, which I can’t find the words to describe its beauty. My first experience with J Stockard Fly Shop. A very impressive company. Great selection and pricing of a lot of quality materials. Than you for suggesting them Matt. Then watching you tie this incredible Pheasant pattern. Cool knowing I will soon be able to try this one. Thank you Sir.

[@johnharrison8807]

Excellent video!

[@SavageFlies]

Appreciate it John! And thanks for the note my friend. :-)

[@Sidiousmoz]

This was already good quality, but nowadays, your videos look hella professional.

[@SavageFlies]

Thanks man, I really appreciate the comment (and encouragement!)

[@alantrico]

Nice tie. My personal favorite fly is a Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle. Its typically a Killer on the gunpowder fished across and down.

[@SavageFlies]

Cool. I'll have to check it out. What's the hackle? Dark partridge?

[@alantrico]

@@SavageFlies read about it here www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/yvon-chouinard-lessons-from-a-simple-fly/152054

[@grizzlykingflytheartandhis4608]

Excellent work 👍🏻

[@jamesyates5191]

Thanks Matt. I have struggled to tie this fly because I think my fingers are too fat but I guess it’s just a matter of practice, practice, practice.

[@flowflyfishing2131]

Nice video, good production. Thank you

[@SavageFlies]

Thank you my friend! Really appreciate you watching. :-)

[@wayneandrews1278]

Cool fly I may have made this

[@mikejames663]

Good job,

[@SavageFlies]

Appreciate it Mike! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@wayneandrews1278]

I never been able to get them just right looking my friend

[@seizedcarcass8440]

The two biggest factors about tying a pheasant tail nymph that I’ve learned are don’t use a larger hook and also be careful with how the wing case tied in because it can sometimes be tricky to determine the length of the legs

[@comesahorseman]

You're right about peacock herl! 😅

[@russellogden8071]

When does your penns creek segment start

[@SavageFlies]

Russell- I was hoping to start it about now, but I haven't been able to find enough patterns that are distinctly favorites up there. I mean, there are a lot that are recommended, but they're the same flies we use all over the east coast. I'll keep doing some research and if I can find at least six or so that are highly recommended there, I'll start the series soon. Maybe next Monday or Wednesday. Thanks for reminding me! Cheers, Matt

[@everettstevenson6110]

Why wouldn’t you want to use a bead? Don’t you want to sink fast and fish nymphs as close to the bottom as possible.

[@SavageFlies]

A bead definitely gives it weight and helps it sink, but sometimes you don't want the flash. (But then again, sometimes you do, like on bright days.)