The Essence of the Brassie
A minimalist yet powerful nymph fly, the Brassie is expertly designed to imitate small aquatic larvae with remarkable precision. Its sleek profile and weighted construction make it a must-have in any angler’s arsenal.
Tying the Perfect Brassie
To create this effective fly, start with a short-shank hook in sizes 18 to 22. The body is crafted from tightly wound copper or brass wire, giving the Brassie its signature weight and flash—key features that ensure a rapid sink and irresistible underwater shimmer.
Adding the Finishing Touches
The thorax, made from delicate peacock herl, adds a touch of iridescence and natural allure. A simple thread head, secured with a whip finish and head cement, completes the fly. While the pattern is straightforward, mastering the even wire wraps and handling the fragile herl requires skill and patience.
What the Brassie Imitates
This versatile fly excels at mimicking small aquatic larvae, including midge and caddis larvae. Its slender shape and metallic flash also make it a convincing imitation of midge pupae and tiny mayfly nymphs, fooling even the most selective fish.
Where to Fish the Brassie
A true all-rounder, the Brassie shines in diverse water conditions. In fast-moving rivers and streams, its weight ensures it reaches the strike zone quickly. Meanwhile, in still waters like lakes and ponds, it’s the go-to choice for anglers needing to target deep-holding fish with speed and precision.
Watch and Learn: Brassie Fly Tying Video
For a step-by-step guide on tying this powerhouse nymph, check out our detailed fly-tying video and elevate your fishing game today!
How It’s Tied: Crafting the Perfect Baitfish Imitation
The EP Streamer comes to life on a long-shank hook, meticulously layered with Enrico Puglisi (EP) fibers—a synthetic marvel prized for its durability, translucency, and water-shedding ability. These fibers are carefully tied along the hook shank, then shaped and trimmed to create a sleek, tapered profile that mimics real baitfish. For added allure, flash materials or complementary synthetic fibers can be woven into the wing. The finishing touch? A pair of realistic eyes—painted, stick-on, or epoxy—that bring the fly to life. Available in countless sizes and colors, the EP Streamer adapts to imitate everything from minnows to shrimp.
What It Mimics: A Deadly Deception for Hungry Predators
Designed to replicate baitfish like shiners, anchovies, or even squid and shrimp, the EP Streamer’s lifelike movement and customizable appearance make it a go-to for fooling wary fish. Whether in freshwater rivers or saltwater flats, its natural undulation and precise profile trigger aggressive strikes from top-tier predators.
Why It Casts Like a Dream: The EP Fiber Advantage
Unlike bulky streamers that soak up water and become unwieldy, EP fibers shed moisture effortlessly. A quick false cast or two dries the fly completely, ensuring flawless control and precision. This means longer, more accurate casts—and more time with your fly in the strike zone.
Where to Use It: From Flats to Freshwater Havens
The EP Streamer thrives wherever predators lurk: saltwater flats, estuaries, rivers, lakes, and ponds. If fish ignore your offering, a simple color or size switch can turn the tide. Experiment with retrieves—vary speeds, pauses, and strip lengths to unlock its full potential. Pack multiple variations, and you’ll always have the right tool for the hunt.
How It’s Tied
To create this effective dark nymph pattern, start with a short-shank, heavy-wire hook in sizes 12 to 16. The secret to its realistic, rounded shape lies in a densely dubbed body, typically using olive, brown, or black dubbing. For added movement, rubber legs are often incorporated, enhancing its lifelike appeal.
What It Mimics
Though versatile enough to imitate various aquatic insects, The Turd is specifically designed to replicate stoneflies. Its darker hues—olive, brown, and black—make it an especially convincing match for these bottom-dwelling nymphs, fooling even the wariest trout.
Where It Shines
This fly excels in any waterbody where stoneflies thrive, including lakes, ponds, and fast-flowing rivers. Its effectiveness makes it a go-to choice for anglers targeting bottom-feeding species like trout, grayling, and even carp.
How to Fish It
For best results, fish The Turd near the bottom—either under an indicator or as part of a Euro-nymphing rig. It also performs exceptionally well when paired with other nymph patterns in a multi-fly setup, increasing your chances of a strike. Whether you’re nymphing deep pools or drifting through riffles, this fly delivers consistent action.