The Hare’s Ear Orange Tail Nymph is a refined variation of the classic Hare’s Ear pattern, combining natural materials with a subtle trigger feature. Retaining the proven buggy profile that imitates a wide range of aquatic insects, this version incorporates a bright orange tail to introduce contrast and encourage confident takes.
The textured hare dubbing produces natural movement during the drift, while the orange tail can imitate an emerging insect or vulnerable prey item.
Unlike heavy tungsten bead patterns, this nymph has a more moderate sink rate, giving anglers greater control in shallow water, slower glides and lighter flows. It is particularly effective when fish are feeding mid-column or when a softer presentation is required in clear conditions.
Please note all of our fishing flies are barbless unless otherwise stated.
Hare’s Ear Orange Tail Nymph Specification
Tail - Hare’s Ear Orange
Body - Hare’s Ear
Hackle - Hen Brown
Rib - Gold Line
Thorax - Hare’s Ear
Wing Case - Half Mallard
Head - Black Silk
Hook - Barbless, Mustad of Norway
Target Species - Trout & Grayling
Why Choose the Hare’s Ear Orange Tail Nymph?
Natural Trigger
Combines a realistic hare’s ear body with a bright tail hotspot to stimulate takes.
Controlled Sink Rate
Ideal for shallower rivers and steady currents where a lighter presentation is more effective.
Versatile Imitation
Represents a broad range of subsurface insects, making it suitable throughout the season.
Hare’s Ear Orange Tail Nymph Presentation
Upstream Natural Drift
Cast upstream and allow the nymph to travel close to the riverbed under light tension. Watch for small hesitations in the leader, as takes are often delicate.
Light Tight-Line or Czech Style
Fish at close range in moderate currents, keeping direct contact throughout the drift while allowing the fly to move naturally with the flow.
Klink & Dink Method
Suspend the Hare’s Ear Orange Tail beneath a buoyant dry fly using a classic Klink and Dink setup. The dry fly acts as both indicator and depth control, while the nymph drifts just below the surface film. This approach is particularly effective when trout are feeding just under the surface or switching between emerging insects and subsurface nymphs.
Stillwater Retrieve
Allow the fly to sink before retrieving slowly with a steady figure of eight motion. Gentle lifts and pauses can trigger takes, especially as the orange tail becomes more visible during movement.
