Three all-round nymph patterns to tie (with videos)

Nymphs are an essential part of any fly angler's fly box, and having a few go-to nymph patterns that can be used in a variety of situations can be very helpful. In this article we'll introduce three all-around nymph patterns that can be tied in a variety of sizes and colors to match the naturals found in most streams and rivers.

If you're wondering what fish to you can catch with these nymphs, we're tempted to say: all of them! Or maybe that should be 'almost all of them'. We know stories of pike taking a nymph, but obviously fly fishing for pike with a nymph is not the most effective. Apart from predatory fish that probably prefer baitfish patterns, you can target almost all non-predatory freshwater species: brown trout, carp, grayling, chub, roach, perch, etc.

For each nymph, we will provide a brief description, a list of the materials needed to tie the fly and an instruction video that we found on YouTube.

1: The Pheasant Tail Nymph

The Pheasant Tail Nymph is an all-time classic pattern that is effective for a wide range of species. This fly is built around a pheasant tail feather. Other materials needed to tie this fly include thread and ribbing material. Read more about this fly here.

2: The Hare's Ear Nymph

The Hare's Ear Nymph is another classic pattern. This fly is built around a hare's ear dubbing, which provides a natural and lifelike appearance in the water. Other materials needed to tie this fly include thread and ribbing material. Read more about this fly here.

3: The Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph

The Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph is a variation on the Hare's Ear Nymph, with the addition of a gold rib for added flash and attraction. Materials needed to tie this fly include thread, hare's ear dubbing, and gold ribbing material.