Tying my Favourite Pheasant Tail Nymphs by Davie McPhail

[@creativehumanbeing249]

First time I‘ve seen Davie tying without waxing the thread ;)

[@vincenttrzeciak878]

But it's still there stuck to his finger

[@sbctdizzle1]

Hahaa

[@salmosalar18]

Best all time nymph ever !!! in my box since when I started nymphing in 198O.. the first nymph I caught a trout with ... 4 size hooks and 2 Weights and you fish the planet .... your tying is juste perfection !!!! BRAVO

[@bobgriffin6896]

Ppl

[@brianeaton3734]

They simplest flies always seems to work best for me. Thanks Davie.

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi Davie, many thanks for this demonstration, much appreciated. I have been tying this type of fly for the past 50 years and your demonstration showed me such a simple way of doing it and saving time by not using any thread. The one problem I do come across is the poor quality of feathers down here in the South Pacific. The best ones I have is what the birds left me on the farm! We also tie this fly with a tungsten bead to get the fly deep pools. I know from personal experience that I could use just two types of nymph imitations to fish all the year around in both of our Islands, the Pheasant Tail and Hare and Copper. Cheers mate. Harera

[@komando8365]

Wish I could like this twice. Great tying as usual, Davie. My favorites as well.

[@mikelundrigan2285]

You can’t go wrong with some of these in your box! Simple, easy and deadly!

[@TheGertL]

Just the most anmazing nymph pattern tied by the best one... magnificent!

[@bobhammond8067]

Always an honor to watch a Master at work!!

[@AllanMHutton]

It's amazing how the the simplest of patterns are also the most effective. Excellent vid! 👍

[@steveg8322]

THAT is the truth!

[@kentw.897]

Very Nice Davie. Thankyou for showing me how to tie your favourite Pheasant Tail Nymphs. Aloha🌴🎣🏄‍♂️ Merry Christmas 🎄🕊

[@davidfraser4083]

I have used this nymph very successfully for years Davie thanks to your tying. Stay safe Big Davie

[@marks.5288]

Thanks Davie, really enjoy watching you tie all the Sawyer patterns with the copper wire. Have enjoyed the time spent tying my own.

[@jack_batterson]

Loved this demonstration and tutorial. A master-class.

[@michaeljmckinnon2960]

killer flies on this side of the pond as well....great job Sir

[@moonstarer55]

Great tying Davie. Your work is stunning. It looks so easy when you do it, the sign of a great craftsman. Thanks for your efforts and videos

[@jakepavlo91]

I love this fly, simple to tie, effective in the river and very durable, nice one Davie 👍

[@kerrypitt9789]

These are my favorite PTN hands down! Perfect for shore casting even on Stillwater. That bit of copper makes a lot of difference!! I love it!!

[@davidkerr2285]

Such a super simple wee fly this is, I'm sure everyone that fly fish's has a pheasant tail nymph.although I might just tie a few more up, to add to the new ones I tied everyother season 😉👍. Thanks again Davie for showing us all how easy they can be

[@FlyTyer1948]

Thank to you & to Mr. Sawyer for this. It’s elegant in design, use of material & effectiveness.

[@crs1321]

Braw wee beasties Davie. I really like the look of the second one. I might try that in different colours. Thanks for the tips. 👍👏🎣

[@duderoony]

Nice update on a classic. Thanks for this one dude. 😊😊😊

[@toddslichter7831]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing, Mr McPhail

[@Steviemac05]

Outstanding as usual Davie . Only way a tie my PTN's now . 👍

[@АлександрПлахотный-е4у]

Благодарю! Просто и сердито!.

[@neilandrew961]

Great wee fly davie started doing them like that after watching your video a few years ago and they have caught me a lot of fish

[@rowdog6376]

I'm glad I've seen this. Brilliant 👏

[@krallmi48]

I did enjoy it, Davie... thank you. Mike

[@oscarbarreiro4266]

The beauty of simplicity¡¡ thanks¡

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi Davie, I watched this video three week’s ago, made my comments and promptly looked to making some flies. Having made a dozen I now know why I stoped making them fifty years ago! The problem is with the extra thin wire. The one we get here is the UTC Ultra Wire X-SM. on my first attempt the wire broke eight times, never mind I thought, I will do better next time! This wire is so easy to break that you can’t put any tension on and need to use your fingers to hold it and move the spool all the time so that you don’t leave a pressure point dent on the wire. I got it down to only three breaks per fly, but thats it. I have ordered some more spools of new wire, just in case I have a bad batch. Oh well, more practice, more hopes that the fish will not be as critical of my efforts. Cheers mate. Harera

[@tightlines9873]

I've run into the same issue, so you're not alone!

[@pierevojzola9737]

@@tightlines9873 Hi, if you are the same bloke who makes Tight Lines Videos, I would like to thank you for the many years of great tips on fly tying. I have used many of your techniques in my own fly tying, and believe me its improved my tying ability. Cheers mate. Harera from NZ

[@tightlines9873]

@@pierevojzola9737 Apologies, I'm not the same bloke, but he sounds like someone I should check out! Cheers

[@TB-zh9pe]

Are you using a ceramic bobbin per Davie's recommendation? I tied 14 nymphs using UTC Ultra Wire X-SM and I didn't break the wire a single time. I completed each fly with a 3 turn whip finish.

[@garynicholson2855]

Great fly,one of the must haves.

[@leemowers9395]

Beautiful demo, nicely presented, thanks Davie

[@kcbennie]

I really enjoy your channel! Thank you!

[@andersklasson1226]

Great fly Tanks Davie👍

[@cep14254]

Would not have thought to use wire in place of thread. Awesome!

[@double531]

Love it, all the best Davie.

[@metubewot]

beautifully done Davie.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Hey Davie. I simply love these flies. I keep a bobbin spooled up with wire just to remind me how to tie them when I look at it. Question for you, have you ever considered doing a live "tie off" similar to what Tom Rosenbauer and Tim Flagler are doing? It would be pretty cool to see you tying side by side with another excellent tier to see all the different ways the "masters" tie up different flies.

[@glenndotter5065]

It works too! Arkansas River trout love it!

[@richardthomas9055]

Hi Davie I have just started fly tying ,I’ve managed to tie 3 so far 😆 This looks a good pattern for the beginner,many thanks for sharing your knowledge 👍

[@juodaszmogus]

From all the flies all you need is a pheasant tail, red Tag, and hares ear.

[@johnparrish336]

Great ties!!! 👍🏼

[@derekcunningham9993]

Love them, from size 10 to 20 👍

[@poodle559]

best river nymph ever created.

[@orth..8171]

Skuteczność w prostocie. ;0 Thanks Davie!👍!

[@tsurimanabu]

いつも楽しく見させて頂いております😊 これからも楽しみにしています🤗

[@VALDAJ292]

Идеально. 🤔 Всего два материала, проволка и перо. Отличный подход. 👍👍👍👏👏👏🤝🤝🤝

[@tehBadboy09]

Hi David, this is my favourite fly of all time in all its variety of styles. Could you please do some clyde style flys or North Country patterns as I plan to give it a go next season.

[@tedandrews405]

Hello Davie,I too have a collection of Frank Sawyers flies identical in appearance to yours.I believe Mr Sawyer recruited family members to produce his patterns.Under strict supervision I imagine!

[@davidflores2546]

Exelente video una de las las primeras ninfas que aprendí a atar que recuerdos más lindos gracias.saludos

[@franksmith8246]

Excellent. Would you consider adding a HOTSPOT?

[@olivierdamonte2652]

Félicitations ! Simple et rapide ! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@danieluk5393]

Love it

[@soniagutierrezaznar2776]

Un clásico bien ejecutado

[@reserrvoirman]

Boy is like to know how you can wind that wire without breaking it. I get half way thru and the wire snaps on me. Been using ultra.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Stan, Make sure that the bobbin holder allows the wire to run smoothly from it as this makes a huge difference.. All the very best Davie

[@reserrvoirman]

@@DavieMcPhail thanks Davy I’ll give it a try. Your very generous with your tying tips. Thank you for unlocking the mystery for us mere mortals lol. As you know this fly is a real fish catcher and it only uses two materials. Go figure.

[@MyPancho1]

So scruffy and sparse,,,, a perfect pair of true fishing flies! Thanks Davie

[@vasiliishadrin4304]

Всё гениальное просто.

[@reneseverac]

Hello Davie , thank you for your fabulous videos , could you tell me the diameter of the copper wire you use? Thank you in advance .

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Rene severac, I'm sorry I don't have the diameter but if you have any UTC wire then the xtra small is the right diameter or if I was comparing it to a thread then it would be a Uni-8/0...I'm glad you enjoy the videos and thank you for the kind words.. All the very best Davie

[@reneseverac]

@@DavieMcPhail thank you Davie , and thank you for your sympathy 👍

[@dgs.creates]

Can you use a different material if you don't have pheasant tail?

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi dis. creates, There's nothing to stop you using what you have as it's a good style and I am sure it would work well.. All the very best Davie..

[@dgs.creates]

@@DavieMcPhail thank you. Do you have any recommendations for other materials that would be suitable?

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi dis. creates, Goose and Turkey quills and biots make a great body and tail for tying nymphs like this..ATB Davie..

[@dgs.creates]

@@DavieMcPhail thank you very much.

[@ryantherock7664]

Hi Davie what is the best way to fish this pattern?

[@alfredodejuan390]

I think the second one is more natural and the first one could be so good when the trouts get used and become wisdoms.

[@calebbell2939]

May I ask please what bobbin holder do you use for the wire or what type? Thank you so much ,and I just like to say what another great video too

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Caleb bell, I use the Tiemco Heavy Duty Ceramic bobbin holder which I have used for many years though any ceramic should be fine to use with the fine wire...I am glad you enjoy the videos and thank you for the kind words... All the very best Davie..

[@calebbell2939]

@@DavieMcPhail thank you so much for getting back to me davie 🥸

[@FlyTyer1948]

Nice. Efficient & effective, great characteristics for a fly. Two questions: First, am I correct that difference between the lake & stream styles is just with the wing pads & added wire wraps? Second, I do use an old bobbin holder for wrapping weighting wires on the hook, but I haven’t used one for wrapping wire as thread when tying. Should I use a bobbin holder with a ceramic tube for wrapping the wire to prevent scratching the inside of the tube or is it okay to use one with a regular steel tube. I want to avoid the possibility of fraying any thread that I put in the same bobbin holder in the future. Or does it not matter? Thank you.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi FlyTyer1948, Any of the two patterns would catch well on the lochs as well as the river though the one with the wing buds and the copper throat I feel helps when representing midge pupa..It does help if you have a bobbin holder with a ceramic tip or tube as it will run much smoother than with a standard metal one though before I use the ceramic bobbin holder I would just take a length of copper wire and tye the nymph without one just as Frank Sawyer did when he tyed them..I'm glad you liked the flies... All the very best Davie..

[@richardc6932]

Hello Davie, could you tell me the stock/model number of that FM hook that you commonly tie on. Is it a FM1550? Thanks👍🇨🇦👨‍🦳

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi Richard, I do use the FM1550 which is the all-purpose medium but I also like to use the FM1530 competition heavyweight when I need the extra strength especially for the larger size fish.. All the very best Davie

[@richardc6932]

@@DavieMcPhail thanks for the reply. I like the looks of that hook. Can you recommend a good hook for wets in a barbless and black nickel. My wet hook is normally in size 14 and 16. Mainly for brook trout, 8 to 10” in length in my small rivers and ponds. Your opinion and recommendation is appreciated. Thanks.

[@DavieMcPhail]

Morning Richard, I have attached a link to the barbless range of the Fulling Mill hooks which I have used with many others over the years. Partridge, Hanak and many other companies sell good hooks it's just finding the right one that suits the patterns you want to tye..I would say though I prefer to use a medium to heavy wired hook when fishing nymphs and wets..I hope this is of some help to you.. www.fullingmill.co.uk/Products-UK/Trout-Barbless-UK All the very best Davie..

[@richardc6932]

@@DavieMcPhail much appreciated. 👍🇨🇦👨‍🦳

[@kevinmcpherson2788]

Hi Davie Been tying a nymph I saw on your vids a wee polish nymph, been working great , last Friday caught an 8 lb salmon on it and on a 4 wt rod , it was some fight , you never mentioned what hook you used on the video , can you remember, looks to be a bit shorter than the B175 Thanks again for the great videos and I’ll keep buying my monthly raffle , regards 🤙

[@eddieahara6605]

Hook is in the description, general purpose fulling mills size 14.

[@jdk6584]

How do you fish these?

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi J Dk, On the river I mostly fish them upstream allowing them to drift with the current especially for Grayling. On the lochs I will fish them many ways from lifting with the wind, switching or slow figure of eight to pulling them depending on the fly life I am trying to represent..I will also fish them to represent a small pin fry to corixa.. All the very best Davie..

[@alangaunt1676]

As ever I enjoyed your tutorial and this is one of my favourite Fly's. Recently I have been what way up the fly fishes. Do you have any of your followers have an opinion 🤔

[@leonardwells9613]

If ever there was a true box stuffer THIS is it !!!! L 👍🎣👍

[@JFonFly]

Hey Davie. Is the copper wire you use here coated? I found some bulk sources, but is bare/uncoated wire. Best, John

[@DavieMcPhail]

Hi John, It's not coated that's why I like to use the ceramic bobbin holder as it help to stop the wire from breaking so the wire you have will certainly work fine for these nymphs..Coated wire is easier to use if I am honest as it runs smoother through any bobbin holder.. All the very best Davie

[@JFonFly]

@@DavieMcPhail Thank you. Any concern with uncoated wire tarnishing? I ask as I go to the junkyard and salvage the copper wire on appliance motors - much less expensive than fly shop. Can also order uncoated from electrical supply store. Best, JF

[@Ger886]

Hi Davie great tying as usual I would like to see you tie some salmon patterns on singles explaining if that makes a difference to how you tie in oval tinsel or wire so it won’t pull out etc also if you could explain how to pick and match jungle cock from the cape properly to avoid waste Thanks

[@fabiosoldati1811]

g r e a t 🙌

[@Tillflyfisher]

Another braw vid..