Pheasant Tail Nymph

The Pheasant Tail Nymph is one of the most effective and widely used nymph patterns, crafted to imitate a broad range of aquatic insects. It’s especially deadly on trout and grayling.
Originally created in the early 1900s by English fly tier Frank Sawyer, this pattern relies on the natural mottled brown‑and‑black fibers from a cock pheasant’s tail to form its slim, tapered body. Tiers often incorporate copper wire, peacock hurl, or other subtle accents to add durability, flash, and lifelike movement, making the Pheasant Tail a proven producer in waters around the world.