Bead Head Hare's Ear Nymph Fly

The Hare’s Ear Nymph is arguably one of the oldest and most popular nymph flies.  The fly imitates both the mayfly and a caddis and is often used as pattern used when you are not sure what the trout might take.  There are many different colors and variations to the Hare’s Ear.  The most popular color is natural, or olive wrapped in gold.

I keep a supply of natural and olive in my fly box at all times.  This fly is as popular for trout fishing as the Prince Nymph, Copper John and Pheasant Tail.

When the Hare’s Ear is fished sub-surface the stuff fibers and dubbing make the fly stand out in the water column and imitate the legs and body of an insect.  Popularly the nymph is thrown upstream and allowed to float downstream.  Often a lead split shot is added to the line to help the Hare’s Ear drop closer to the bottom of the stream or river.

In lakes the fly can be productive too.  If fished near the bottom, and stripped slowly, the fly can be very appealing to larger trout, especially brown trout.

I’ve used the fly for panfish, and carp.  To initiate darker insects you might want to use a darker color Hare’s Ear.  Popular colors can be brown and black, both ribbed in gold.

See also set of 48 Hare’s Ear Nymphs