Pheasant Tail
Imitates: Mayfly nymph (BWO, PMD, Callibaetis)
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #14-20
- Best Season
- Year-round
- Best Conditions
- Riffles, runs, mayfly hatches
- Water Temp
- 45-65°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 5X-6X fluorocarbon
How to Rig It
Single nymph under an indicator, or as the point fly with a midge dropper.
How to Present It
Dead-drift through the head of a riffle into the bucket. Mend hard for a long natural drift.
Why It Works
It's a generic mayfly nymph profile that matches dozens of species. The pheasant tail fibers breathe and pulse like real legs and gills.
History
Frank Sawyer invented it on England's River Avon in the 1950s using only copper wire and pheasant fibers — no thread. Al Troth's beadhead version became the American standard.
Pro Tip
Tie an unweighted PT 12" off the back of a Hare's Ear during a hatch — emergers and crawlers in one rig.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I fish a Pheasant Tail?+
Anytime mayflies are present — which is most of the year. It shines an hour before and during BWO and PMD hatches.
Beadhead or unweighted Pheasant Tail?+
Beadhead for fast riffles and depth, unweighted for shallow flats and as a dropper off a dry fly.
Not sure if Pheasant Tail is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
Open Fly Advisor
Map
Fly Guide