Anytime that fishermen start compiling lists of their favorite nymphs the Pheasant Tail is sure to number among them. With the introduction of the bead head it was to be expected that one of the first nymphs to be given a bead head variation would be the Pheasant Tail. I was first introduced to the Bead Head Pheasant Tail by H.B. McGowan and have developed the versions that are listed here from his variation and several years of fishing the fly. Ring Neck Pheasant Tail Fibres Tying Instructions 1. Slip bead over end of hook and slide it around to just behind the eye.
Position hook in vise so that eye is slightly down.
This will hold bead in position just behind the eye and keep it from slipping back on you while you are tying. Start thread just behind the bead and take a couple of wraps. Wrap the thread over the copper wire and the hook working your way towards the back of the fly until you reach a position approx. Continue wrapping the thread forward and then backwards on the hook to form a tapered body with the thread. The taper should be slightly smaller than the bead at the front of the hook and only a thread or two thick at the back.