According to Sport Fishing in British Columbia this fly has probably accounted for more trout being caught globally than any other nymph pattern. This is probably a result of the two materials used in this fly pattern. Peacock and pheasant tail fibers probably fool more fish than any other materials.

The presenation of this fly generally requires a weighted fly and an upstream casting angle. Be sure to mend the fly to ensure a drag free drift. According to Sport Fishing in British Columbia the pheasant tail nymp is an effective fly to use when nothing seems to be happening at all on the river.

Strike Indicators

There are many times that trout simply are not in the mood to take a dry fly. Yet, they are actively feeding below the surface. What to do? How about trying a nymph! Here are a few techniques from Adam Trahan with regards to nymph fishing. When fishing a nymph use a strike indicator. "Any pause or movement in the indicator other than free drift, set the hook. I have caught lots of fish this way. When the fish start taking drys, then you can switch to this method. Tie on a larhe dry fly, take 18" of tippet and tie on to the eye of the large dry fly. At the end of the tippet tie on a small nymph. Use some flotant on the dry and cast the large dry fly as a strike indicator."

Presentation of Nymphs

Here are a few suggestions to make your nymph drift properly:
1. You must put the fly where the trout can see it.
2. Many nymph fisherman talk about putting the fly "right on the bottom". However, trout do not feed off the bottom and a fly on the bottom gets caught up in all of the rocks.

Choosing Nymphs

How do you choose the correct nymph when there are no visible hatches to help guide you? According to Tom Rosenbauer "start with a popular pattern. The Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail, and Zug Bug are the three best selling nymphs of all time. These three give the impression of meovement in the water".