"Improved" Pheasant Tail: TWO MINUTE fly tying!

[@TimCammisa]

Want to learn how to tie a better version of the Pheasant Tail nymph?? Check out my fly tying book: www.troutandfeather.com/new-products/fly-tying-for-everyone-book

[@ShortyOnTheFly]

This video just came up on my feed. You solved a problem for me with those CDL fibers. I have LOADS of pheasant tails like you described, nasty tips but otherwise good to go. Now I have a method that will allow me to use them. Thanks, brother!

[@alhermosillo4413]

Hey Tim, I really don't mind whip-n out flys that take 20 minutes. I don't mind tying flys that take 20 minutes prep time n 20 min tye time then 10 min detailing, touching up color, manicuring the fly like a $300 red hair bud. But tying this Improved Pheasant Tail I like! As long as it's not "one of those days " this fly, I can get creative with color and it looks good. I can jack w/ materials and this fly looks good. N after I get rolling I can whip out a hand full in 14,16 and also very useful in 18, 20. But the challenge is tying some in 22, 24. It starts looking a lil different, sometimes the the fly starts looking weird, sometimes you need to tye in like a third front leg or eyes in the back too. It's all good. As always keep up the good works Tim. I can see a bigger Tim Cammisa presence. Dude your blowing up! Way cool, good luck xtunadude Al H

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Al, and glad you enjoy this one! Those smaller sizes can be tricky, as it really is all about proportions and being intentional with each wrap. Like you said, it's all good, and most fish don't seem to mind! Thanks for the kind words, and a "Tim Cammisa presence?!?!" I don't even know what that means, but if it's good, I'll take it. ;-) Hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@johngetz8585]

I omitted the wing casing, legs and gills , years ago! They fish exactly the same. In the Limestone streams of Pennsylvania. It's very rare that I add a wing case into any of them. The trout do not seem to mind one bit....

[@TimCammisa]

I agree with you, John, though I love that black wing case on the Perdigon! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@ronkilmer8991]

Thanks for this tie, this is so simple, and I have been using a variation of this for 20+ years,, the tail fibers are tops

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Ron, thanks for the kind words. Please consider sharing this video with your fly tying friends so others can be introduced to this simple and effective pattern. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@s.nelsonpayne208]

The spring run-off around the Gila kept me from going down there last spring ( still plan on it ) but in SW Colorado this fly WORKS. Thanks and keep the vidios coming.

[@TimCammisa]

Have you found a place it doesn't work yet??? ;-) Thanks for the comment and kind words. Tim

[@s.nelsonpayne208]

Tim Cammisa Not yet. I'll keep trying.

[@louisaziz1235]

Great, easy tie. Thank you. You mentioned not adding glue to avoid messing up the delicate feathers on the tiny fly. I learned to add a very lite coat of glue to about two inches, or less, of thread before the final two or three wraps, then finish with the whips. Makes for a clean and secure "knot".

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the kind words, Louis, plus for that tip with head cement. I do the same now, and tend to use the brush on Sally Hansen's "Hard as Nails" to apply directly to the thread prior to the whip finish. I know of many tiers now that use super glue in the same way, and I haven't gone that far...yet! How about you? Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@seanmooney3907]

Nice tie Tim, I like it. I have just acquired a CDL cock cape and I am using those fibers for everything I can think of. I have even put them into split thread and wound them for the collar. They look great and are transparent in the water. Of course you know I only have the ability to test them in the bathtub right now. But God willing I will learn to cast a fly rod this year and put one of them to use myself in catching some fish. All the best, Sean

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Sean, and you sound happy with the CDL (as you should be!). God is with you, and I am positive that you will try those flies out on some fish in the near future. The best to you, as well. Tim

[@donngrimes6179]

Thank you. Great seeing you in Denver at the Fly Fishing Show.

[@TimCammisa]

Thank you for taking a moment to comment, Donn, and it was great meeting you. The Denver Fly Fishing Show was an incredible experience and I look forward to returning in the future. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@sgbigsby1989]

CDL is a traditional fibre to use and it's nice to see a return to using it more. The only extra steps I use is gluing the pheasant tail and peacock herl down and create legs using the remainder of the wing case fibres.

[@TimCammisa]

Very smart ideas, Gordon; thanks for the suggestions for others! I hope to hear more from you on more of my videos. Tim

[@earllubold2505]

Thanks Tim. Wonderful pattern

[@TimCammisa]

Glad you like it, Earl! Have you fished with it yet? Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@kevinjtoner]

Another nice fly, Tim! I always enjoy your tutorials and hope you will be making more in the future. Thanks.......

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Kevin; I really appreciate the feedback. I attempt to make one video every two weeks, thus feel free to subscribe and KZbin will email you every time a new one is uploaded. Thanks again, Tim

[@stevencroon]

You can go one step farther as I do after you tie down the wing case, split the fibers left to either side and tie them back for legs. Trim them to the lenght you like and your done. The extra step takes seconds. The legs are a little larger than the tips of the pheasant tail would be, but I have found the fish dont care one whit. Quick and easy tie!!

[@TimCammisa]

Smart idea, Steven, and thanks for sharing. For that want to see Steven's suggestion in video form, here is one that I filmed for the Mayfly Project a couple of years ago that shows the PT with legs: vimeo.com/328988144 Thanks again for taking a moment to share. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@s.nelsonpayne208]

Tim, I'm going after Gila Trout in a couple of weeks and I will defiantly have several of these with me, mostly because my standard pheasant tails look highly radiated. Great looking simple pattern. Thanks for the help.

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, and thanks for mentioning it. Be sure to let me know how your trip goes, and send me an email with some pics! Tim

[@chasselynch5733]

Great TIE Great fly Tim ,I personally use cdl for all the nymphs I sell but on my own personal flies I prefer using wild turkey tail feather tips for tails almost identical to pheasant tail but alot tougher,it gives me the mass and movent and durability I personally desire.if you have any input on using turkey tail tips for tails I'd like to know your opinion

[@TimCammisa]

Appreciate the comment, Chasse, and turkey tail feathers are excellent. I use them for a lot of my caddis larva imitations, as they make a mottled body that perfectly matches many of the caddisflies in my local waters. Re: using them for tails, I like their resiliency, yet they are a lot thicker than CDL. Thus, using 3-5 CDL fibers is perfect when I want a fast-sinking fly. If that's not a concern, turkey is a perfect option. Thanks again! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@RalphBellairs]

Nice pattern, Tim. Have you ever considered winding on the peacock herl before the rib and then ribbing all the way up to behind the bead? Don't suppose it would make a lot of difference, but just thought the wire might protect the peacock herl a bit better than thread. Regards from the UK.

[@TimCammisa]

David, great suggestion, as always! I honestly haven't considered that and may try it out. On that pattern, the wire was a little heavier, but for a finer wire, that would work well to protect all. Thanks for taking a moment, and I hope all is going well. Tim

[@Bene_Factum]

Great looking fly and quick to boot! Cheers!

[@TimCammisa]

You got it, and thanks for the comment! I hope to hear more from you on my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@MikeBlezien]

another great pattern Tim nicely done with the CDL. A great tailing material to use. Mike

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Mike; it's some great stuff, for sure! Tim

[@seanmooney3907]

Hey Tim, re-visited this tie, I just liked the two minute series. I never got some of them under two minutes, but some I did. Anyway, I noticed your stonfo hackle pliers and I never did before. I thought you got the stonfo hackle pliers with the Kaimen vise. See what you learn to look at after you have seen a fly before. Probably driving you nuts with the going back. All the best, Sean

[@TimCammisa]

+Sean Mooney It's not always easy to get a fly under two minutes, Sean, though a tip is to have all materials ready at the onset. And you're definitely not driving me nuts, trust me! Those hackle pliers were nice, and they get used quite often. I've been really happy with Stonfo products, and hope their presence in the United States grows. Thanks again, and I hope all is well. Tim

[@seanmooney3907]

I have broken my stonfo hackle pliers. I got some CF design hackle pliers. I don't have any stonfo stuff anymore. I wasn't unhappy with the stonfo, they just broke when my wife fell on them. They aren't made for that! All the best buddy. I don't remember the email for the leaders. Sean

[@TimCammisa]

+Sean Mooney I'm sorry to hear about that, Sean, and I hope your wife was ok! I resent the leader email, and if you have a chance, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Tim

[@JBarryNeas]

i tied my first Pheasant tail nymph last night...haha! i like yours better Tim. great lesson

[@TimCammisa]

HAHA! Well, thanks, and I'm positive that both of our patterns will catch fish! Tim

[@JBarryNeas]

i'll be honest with you Tim, any PTN i tie from now on will be an "Improved" PTN! so much fun tying man. thanks for your help

[@robertalp3878]

Very nice tie 👍

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@bobbylolimg1928]

I've never tied a PT without legs and I mean long legs. But this pattern has me thinking of it's possibilities. Thanks

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Bobby, and with the advent of many Euro nymph patterns, especially the Frenchie (kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKm6lKuef5l_mKM), the use of legs on many of my nymphs is now limited. With that said, I do use CDC on many of my nymphs today, as the movement is tough to replicate with other materrials...so tie some of these with CDC fibers for legs, you'll be happy! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@daverench2327]

Excellent video! Thanks

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Dave, thanks for the kind words. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@spikeconley]

Beginners (and really all fishermen) should tie more of these guide style flies. They get more flies in your box faster with less cost in materials. In fact 95% of the time I only carry one pheasant tail pattern (for slender mayflies) and one hare's ear pattern (for fatter fuzzier mayflies) and this could easily be the pheasant tail. Fewer total patterns in the box, more of each pattern tied quicker - that's the way to go IMO. Use proven flies tied quickly, and then focus on your rigging and presentation. For an even faster tie, I'd do 2 things. First you can use golden pheasant tail. It's naturally mottled so you can use the same fibers for the tail and body, and don't need an extra step. (It can't match CDL for durability though, so that might still be worth it for some.) Second personally I'd skip the wing case. That would save a little more time and I don't think the fish would notice. Nymphs normally tumble and flip and half the time the fish couldn't even see a wing case even if it was there. Truth be told most wing cases are more for the fishermen than the fish. Using the tungsten bead you can even tie this fly with red thread and turn it into more of a Euro nymph (before whip finishing, build a little hotspot collar with the thread) which is still just as easy to tie. Substitute a brass bead if using with a dry/dropper.

[@TimCammisa]

Excellent conversation, Spike, and we think alike when it comes to "guide flies!" Less is more in so many ways, and I have some changes for this one, too. CDL...I'm keeping it, but I'll absolutely adjust and go with the golden pheasant OR even some dyed olive. KILLER! I tend to skip the wing case now, but I'm also tying these on jig hooks to reduce snagging on rocks and other debris. Hot spots = LOVE! ;-) Thanks for the great comments, and hope you're safe and healthy. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@iwillp]

thanks Tim, the instruction was quick and precise and i made this as you said and was really neat to do.

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Mark; I'm glad everything worked out. Tim

[@derekpowell1762]

Just tried to tie this fly got to be honest it looks a lot different to yours great video thanks

[@michaellacy8510]

I've also started using a very smart amount of super glue on hook shank prior to wrapping pt bodies. Really helps with durability. (Not my original idea!)

[@TimCammisa]

Smart suggestion, Michael, thanks for sharing! Brushable super glue or do you apply with a bodkin? Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@michaellacy8510]

@@TimCammisa I use a bodkin. But I think a trimmed brush might work. I learned this from a fly-fish-food video on tying the Frenchy.

[@ajblythe]

Great looking fly and easier to tie.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the kind words, and I hope all is well with you! Tim

[@caniaccharlie]

Great looking pattern as always, Tim! Do you like all your Pheasant Tails without the wings/legs or just the "improved" version?

[@TimCammisa]

+Charlie Wilson Thanks, Charlie, and it really varies. To answer your question, the majority of time, I just go with peacock, though if you look in my nymph box, there are many with soft hackle legs. I prefer the fast tie myself, which suits my fly fishing style of using this nymph is faster water where the fish only have a split second to make their decision. I hope that helps, and I appreciate the kind words. Tim

[@bradpulling5574]

Great video Tim!

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Brad; I appreciate it. Tim

[@ipod1978]

Amazing video, this is the third tying video I've watched now,so I just subscribed. If you don't mind me asking what vise are you using

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments and kind words; I greatly appreciate them. In this video, I was tying on a Renzetti Traveler. Now I tie on a Stonfo Transformer, which I love. If you have any questions about vises, shoot me an email: [e-mail] Thanks! Tim

[@ipod1978]

Tim Cammisa Gentleman thanks again for all the advice and posting up some great tutorials

[@TimCammisa]

You got it...

[@marksleeper3752]

great job as always thanks Tim

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Mark, and thanks for continuing to support my channel and videos! You have no idea how much the "positivity" helps, and I consider you one of the best. Thanks for everything. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@marksleeper3752]

thanks Tim I always look up to you as a great friend, Thanks for the kind words Mark

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Mark, that's very kind to say...

[@marksleeper3752]

your more than welcome

[@KonigKriegD]

Nice video, nice fly. Do you find the legs from the standard pheasant tail nymph pattern are unnecessary?

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Andrew, and yes and no! Ha ha. My "current" pheasant tail patterns vary, and it's really based on the depth and speed I'm fishing them. If they are ripping through current, I will skip the legs (though I may use a peacock dubbing and brush it out with Velcro for the thorax). When the fish have a little more time, legs will be added. If you asked me for one style, based on where I fish, the legs would be gone. Hope that helps, and thanks for checking. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@redneckhippie3602]

Hey tim what eould be good paatetn thay if your fishing 4 whatever

[@davids11131113]

I just use an old fingernail clippers for wire they’re small and easy to use.

[@TimCammisa]

Smart idea, especially if they allow you to get close to the hook when clipping! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@MrSofthackle]

Nice tie. I tie something similar but I use a natural cock pheasant tail for the body and the tail and instead of peacock I use purple ice dub for the thorax. It’s a great prospecting pattern. Up here in the land of the pink squirrel I’ll often start with my pheasant tail variant.

[@TimCammisa]

Sounds like a winner...especially that purple dubbing! There is a HIDEOUS shade of green I use for my Frenchies, and I have no idea why any trout would eat it, but they do. Thanks, Dale, and I hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@Homegrownherbs]

Honestly I think this would be a great caddis pattern

[@TimCammisa]

Jakob, good call on both ideas! Thanks for the comments, and good luck with this pattern. TC

[@tonyderose6449]

nice pattern

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks, Tony! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@davids11131113]

I’ve never had a whip finish tool either I just finger whip finish.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for sharing, David, and glad it works for you, too! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@wlittlej]

My Peacock fibers break when I wrap them on the hook. Do you treat yours to make them more flexible?

[@TimCammisa]

Great question, and I don't treat them with anything. I am very particular when purchasing them, and always try to get those with longer fibers. It can be tricky to find quality peacock herl, but worth it in the end to keep looking. When tying, I tend to wrap two, three, or four fibers at the same time, which may help the process. Also, many tiers will wrap them with a wire at the same time, or create a loop (kzbin.info/www/bejne/mavJYYaGh913bLc). I hope that helps a bit, and thanks for the comment. Tim

[@tocayofishing6538]

Great

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks! Have you fished with this PT yet? Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@TroutSlayer97]

Now I know im normal using my moms nail stuff for head cement! Glad im not the only one!

[@TimCammisa]

Ha ha! You're definitely not alone, though I hope your mom doesn't need her "Hard as Nails!" If so, you're in trouble, for sure. Thanks for the comment. TC

[@TroutSlayer97]

Thanks for the good videos! Id love to see some more nymph videos. I dont know what else to tie up for my box.

[@TimCammisa]

Alex Serdiouk Thanks, Alex, and I do love tying nymphs. I have a lot of nymph videos; feel free to email me and I can provide links for those that I think are better than others. TC

[@Hunterslife315]

Great video my man..

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it, and as an FYI I tend to fish this pattern more on a jig hook nowadays. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@tonylevinson]

What was the name of the Italian company that made the hackle pliers?

[@TimCammisa]

Tony, the company is "Stonfo," and they are the Elite Hackle Pliers. TC

[@tonylevinson]

Many thanks

[@قناةالصيادالصغير]

good

[@barrydelmar6765]

Where did you get the hackle plier?

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for the question, Barry, and you can find them online. Simply search for "Stonfo Elite Hackle Plier." I prefer the standard size, which is the one I featured in this video. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@ryantherock7664]

Hi Tim do you practice catch and release?

[@TimCammisa]

Hi Ryan, I do practice catch-and-release for nearly all of my fly fishing. I also recently heard a podcast related to it, and recommend those interested to this site: www.keepemwet.org/ Lots of great info. there that I didn't realize. Is there a reason you're asking? Thanks for taking a moment. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@ryantherock7664]

Thanks for the reply Tim.Why do you practice catch and release for trout yet you hunt?

[@TimCammisa]

You're welcome, Ryan, and like fishing, I also enjoy hunting. Similarly, I do practice "catch-and-release" as a hunter. We have bird dogs and flush birds, only firing starter pistols after the flush for the vast majority of them. As before, I appreciate the questions, and is there a reason you're asking? Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@scottkavanagh640]

Have you ever shown how to whip finish without the tool and just use your fingers. Thanks.

[@TimCammisa]

I have shown that, Scott, and it's easily my most popular video of all time! Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH-bnpSpoqekd8k Hope that helps, and if you have more questions, shoot me an email: [e-mail] Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@vitellaj]

What color is the tail

[@TimCammisa]

John, the color is the medium pardo. TC

[@Homegrownherbs]

Or immature isonychia nymph

[@ArkRed1]

I have to use two pieces of pheasant tail to complete a pheasant tail fly. I don't know where you can get longer pieces of pheasant tail, but the ones I get from fly sellers are always too short.

[@TimCammisa]

Thanks for taking a moment to comment, and I purchase some from shops, and others come from pheasants I've hunted with our pointing dogs. When buying them from shops, I look for pheasant tail "centers," as they are typically the longest ones. Try Competitive Angler: competitiveangler.com/shop/body-materials/feathers-hackle/cookshill-select-cock-pheasant-tail-1-center-tail/ Thanks again, and good luck with this one! Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@flyfish1995]

A 2 minute pheasant tail in 8 minutes.

[@TimCammisa]

Ha ha...thanks for the comment, Flyfish1995. This fly is part of my "Two Minute Fly Tying Series," which means that once a tyer has mastered the techniques to tie this PT, the flies can be tied in under two minutes apiece. Time is taken throughout this video to explain those techniques and some tips, hence the eight minutes. TC

[@flyfish1995]

Tim Cammisa Tim, Im a born smartass. I enjoy the hell out of the videos, please keep em coming.

[@TimCammisa]

+flyfish1995 Ha ha...now I'm laughing! It's tough to pickup sarcasm online, thus though I hoped you were just giving me a hard time, I wasn't sure! Thanks for replying, and for the kind words. Oh, and I was born that way, too. ;-) Tim

[@jkass999]

A 7 minute 2 minute fly???? It took more than 30 seconds to cut your material and attach your sponsored stonfo clip to the pheasant tail...

[@TimCammisa]

Let's be honest, the video is closer to 8 minutes! But I should have renamed it a 90 second fly, because these ones can be seriously cranked out based on my tying steps. Thanks for taking a moment to comment. Tim www.troutandfeather.com

[@Dave-ww5tl]

Nice fly buddy