Fly-Tying Video: Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Marshall Cutchin

James Spicer ties a Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail, which he notes ”can be fished on tailwater and freestone rivers. The Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail imitates a variety of insects. Most people would say that it is a Mayfly Nymph, but it also imitates a small stonefly as well. The Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail is primarily a late spring and summer fly. This is when the mayflies are most active. It can be fished in a smaller size year around, even in the winter.”

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  • Papa

    Nice tie.  I do something similar, often with a bead head, but always with a tail.  Is there a reason you did not include a tail?  Thanks for the video.  

  • Fsavino

    Good looking Fly. I would tie it with a tail. Probably works well with or without. Just a personal preferance. Nice job, Sincerely Stripanstrike

  • idahoelkandflyguy

    I tied up a bunch of these using hackle feathers from my wife’s barred rock laying hens. I used them last month in a high flowing Idaho stream, they caught several trout in short order. They just became my favorite nymph.