Hare's ear nymph

The Hare’s Ear Nymph is one of the most effective and versatile flies in fly fishing, designed to imitate a wide range of aquatic insects, particularly mayfly nymphs. Its origins trace back to traditional English and European fly patterns, with early versions appearing in the 19th century. The fly’s name comes from its primary material- hare’s fur from the ear. Its success is down to its very buggy, lifelike appearance.

It is used in both rivers and still waters, on its own, or below a dry fly.

Around Oban, we use it in smaller sizes, between 12 and 16, but big versions do well as a shrimp imitation in the sea too! We use both beaded and non-beaded versions depending on the depth we want it, and whether it is below a dry fly.

How to tie:

Beaded Hare's Ear Nymph, don't leave the house without one!

After slotting on a bead (or not!), secure a pale thread such as the semperfli tan in 12/0 onto the shank, and tie in some Hare's mask guard hairs, or if you don't have them, a few pale hackle fibres, or even pheasant tail fibres.

Then tie in some gold ribbing wire, and make a dubbing noodle (for a tight body), or use a dubbing loop (for that really buggy scruffy look) with some Hare's ear dubbing and form the body.

Wrap the wire up the body and tie off, and tie in some pheasant tail fibres back towards the tail.

Wind on some more dubbing for a thicker thorax, brush it out a little for that buggy look, and tie over the pheasant tail for a wing case, and tie off with a wee bit of varnish.