How It’s Tied
Crafted for simplicity and effectiveness, the Diawl Bach fly begins with a short or medium shank hook to achieve its slim profile. The body is meticulously formed using dubbed fur or synthetic fibers, carefully wrapped to create a sleek, tapered shape. To enhance realism, a fine wire or tinsel ribbing adds subtle segmentation, while hackle or pheasant tail fibers form the delicate tail and legs. For added versatility, some tiers incorporate a bead or thorax cover to increase weight or attraction. Despite its straightforward design, this pattern delivers exceptional results on the water.
What It Mimics
Designed to replicate a wide range of small nymphs and aquatic insects, the Diawl Bach excels in clear water conditions. Its slender profile and natural movement make it irresistible to trout and other freshwater species, fooling even the most selective feeders. Whether imitating midge larvae, mayfly nymphs, or other tiny invertebrates, this fly’s versatility ensures consistent success.
Where It’s Used
A true all-rounder, the Diawl Bach thrives in any freshwater environment. Fished as a nymph, it adapts seamlessly to various techniques—whether suspended beneath an indicator or worked with precision using Euronymphing (tight-line) methods. From slow-moving rivers to still lakes, this fly’s subtle yet effective design makes it a must-have in every angler’s fly box.
How It’s Tied: Crafting the Perfect Emerger
The Klinkhammer fly is expertly tied using a Partridge Klinkhammer or similar curved shank hook for optimal performance. Its slender abdomen is crafted with thin dubbed body material, while the thorax is built up with denser dubbing or peacock herl for added realism. A synthetic wing post—made from poly yarn or Antron—anchors the parachute-style hackle, ensuring buoyancy and lifelike movement. Some tiers even incorporate foam to enhance floatability, resulting in a fly that suspends perfectly, with the body submerged and the hackle riding high like a natural emerger.
What It Mimics: The Science Behind Its Success
Designed to replicate aquatic insects during their most vulnerable stage, the Klinkhammer flawlessly imitates mayflies, caddisflies, and midges as they transition from nymphs to winged adults. The submerged abdomen mirrors the nymphal shuck, while the exposed hackle and wing post mimic the emerging adult and its unfolding wings. This lifelike presentation triggers aggressive strikes from trout, making it one of the most effective emerger patterns on the water.
Where It’s Used: Versatility for Every Fishing Scenario
The Klinkhammer’s adaptability makes it a must-have in any fly box, whether you’re fishing small streams, large rivers, or stillwaters. Its ability to match multiple insect hatches ensures year-round success, as different species emerge at varying times. By adjusting size, color, and materials, anglers can fine-tune the pattern to local insect activity, turning an already deadly fly into an unstoppable fish magnet.
How to Tie the Iconic Hare’s Ear Nymph
The Hare’s Ear Nymph begins with a standard nymph hook, typically sized between 10 and 18. To craft the tail, anglers use fibers from a soft hackle feather or guard hairs from a hare’s mask. The body, the fly’s defining feature, is made from hare’s ear fur—either dubbed directly onto the thread or blended into a pre-made dubbing mix for consistency.
GRHE: The Flashy Twist on a Classic
GRHE, or Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, adds a dazzling upgrade to the traditional pattern. Often called the Flashback Hare’s Ear, this variation features a shimmering tinsel rib and an optional bead for extra weight. The flashback isn’t just for show—it mimics the gas bubble on emerging nymphs, a stage when insects are most vulnerable and irresistible to fish.
Tying the Flashback: A Simple Yet Effective Technique
The Flashback Hare’s Ear follows the same basic steps as the standard version, with one key addition. After forming the body, the flashback material is carefully tied in before creating the thorax. This strategic placement ensures the material lies flat along the fly’s back, perfectly replicating the natural gas bubble of hatching nymphs.
What Makes the Hare’s Ear Nymph So Effective?
This versatile fly mimics a wide range of aquatic insects, including mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies in their nymphal stages. Its rugged, buggy appearance and adaptable design make it a go-to "searching pattern" when fish aren’t targeting a specific insect. With customizable sizes and colors, it seamlessly matches local hatch conditions.
Where to Fish the Hare’s Ear Nymph for Best Results
From mountain streams to slow-moving rivers, the Hare’s Ear Nymph excels in nearly all freshwater environments. It’s a favorite for targeting trout, grayling, and panfish, and can be fished multiple ways: dead-drifted under an indicator, tight-lined in the Euro-nymphing style, or swung through riffles. Wherever fish feed on nymphs, this fly delivers.
How It’s Tied
Crafted to perfection, the Damsel Nymph is tied on a curved or straight nymph hook, using materials that expertly replicate the slender, segmented body of a damselfly nymph. The body is typically built with olive, blue, or tan dubbing, meticulously shaped to mirror the natural insect’s form.
To enhance its lifelike appeal, marabou or soft feather fibers create a flowing tail, mimicking the three delicate caudal gills of a real damselfly nymph. These materials add irresistible movement underwater, triggering aggressive strikes from predatory fish.
For added versatility, mono or bead chain eyes can be incorporated to provide extra weight, helping the nymph sink deeper into the water column where fish are actively feeding.
What It Mimics
The Damsel Nymph is a masterclass in imitation, designed to replicate damselfly nymphs—a staple in the diet of trout and other freshwater species. Its realistic profile, natural movement, and precise color matching make it an irresistible offering, especially when fish are keyed in on these aquatic insects.
Where It’s Used
This fly shines in a variety of environments, from fast-flowing rivers to serene lakes and ponds. It’s particularly deadly in stillwater or slow-moving sections where damselflies thrive. To maximize success, try techniques like a slow, steady retrieve or indicator nymphing to mimic the natural swimming motion of these nymphs, enticing even the most selective fish.