Jigged Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear

A long time classic and go to pattern, the Hare’s Ear is a must in every fly box. A fly that is as buggy as they come. It has been altered time and time again and every variation is as deadly as the next.

Tinsel Body Variation with the backing/casing on the outside of the hook for box appeal.

With traditional indicator nymph fishing, the split shot used is typically the deepest part of your rig. With this fly being weighted there is no need for split shot. It is however critical that it rides hook point up to help avoid snags. Thus the use of the Jig hook. Making it a good option for Euro-style or weighted nymph indicator fly fishing.

Step By Step Jigged Tungsten version:

#16 C450BL with Copper 7/64 Slotted Tungsten Bead
.010 Lead Wire
About 10 wraps and slide into the bead

Secure hook in vise and slide slotted bead behind the hook eye. Add some wraps of lead or lead-free wire.

12/0 Brown Veevus Thread
Wire secured and taper started
Brown Pheasant Tail
Tail measured to length
Tail secured

Start tying thread behind the lead wire creating a thread ramp. Using about five or six pheasant tail fibers, measure the tips the length of the body and secure to the hook shank.

Gold French Tinsel Medium
Wire tied in ready for dubbing
Hareline Hare’s Ear Natural
Body dubbed ready to be ribbed
Body ribbed

Tie in the ribbing material and dub the body with hare’s ear from either a mask or a premade dubbing. Rib the abdomen of the fly with five to six wraps.

Mylar Pearlescent Tinsel Thick
Large bundle of Brown Pheasant Tail
Materials tied back ready for dubbing
Same Natural Hare’s ear as the abdomen on a dubbing noodle
Thorax Dubbed
Pheasant tail folded down.

Tie in a piece of tinsel followed by a good bit of Pheasant Tail fibers the same color as the tail. Dub the thorax to create a buggy taper. Fold over the backing material and whip finish.