Patagonia Fly Fish

Pheasant Tail X-Caddis
For selective trout feeding on caddis with trailing shucks.

Caddis, like mayflies, can experience difficulties escaping their pupal shucks. Many end up trapped with their shucks trailing off their wings, bodies, or legs. Big, selective trout will usually refuse to take high-floating patterns like Elk Hair Caddis, instead feeding on impaired adults like the X-Caddis. Using pheasant tail fibers for the body of the adults with a trailing shuck of Zelon and deer- or elk-hair wings is a deadly combination.

Get your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity now and check out the full video through the link in bio.

Classic Pheasant Tail Nymph
Essential pattern for mayfly nymphs.

There isn’t a trout stream in the world with mayfly species whose nymphs aren’t matched by the Pheasant Tail. This should be your basic nymph of choice for any trout water.

Get your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity now and check out the full video through the link in bio.

Pheasant Tail Iris Caddis
High-floating pattern for emerging caddis stuck in pupal cases.

Because most caddis emerge and leave the water quickly, trout often favor struggling insects that are going nowhere—trapped in their pupal shucks with body and wings stuck. The natural texture of pheasant tail barbs traps air bubbles and sparkles, closely imitating an emerging caddis. The pattern floats high, and the visible wing makes it easier to track in late-evening light.

Get your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity now and check out the full video through the link in bio.

Pheasant Tail Jig
Bottom-bouncing pattern reduces snags while drifting naturally.

The Pheasant Tail Jig should always be used as a point fly because they will bounce along the bottom and reduce snag possibilities. If you use jig hooks, do not tie them as droppers; they will spin around, twisting the line.

Get your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity now and check out the full video through the link in bio.

Pheasant Tail Mayfly Emerger
Imitates struggling mayflies trapped in their shucks.

When mayflies emerge, big trout usually feed exclusively on struggling duns that are stuck in their nymphal shucks, unable to escape and become fully formed adults with upright wings. These trapped, emerging mayflies can be imitated effectively by using pheasant tail fibers for their bodies.

Get your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity now and check out the full video through the link in bio.

Since October, we’ve been taking Pheasant Tail Simplicity on the road for a series of events that explore fly fishing and fly tying through knowledge, creativity and craft. Led by the authors and our ambassadors, these workshops have brought the book to life through discussions of simplicity and hands-on demonstrations at the vise.

This past weekend, our Aotearoa New Zealand team kept the show going at our Tāhuna Queenstown store with yarns from ambassador Simon Chu and special guests Jeff Forsee, Shelen Boyes and Ollie Basset, as well as a fantastic discussion on bug life and conservation from our friends at New Zealand Fish & Game. Keep an eye out for more Pheasant Tail events around the globe in the year to come.

Photos: .forsee

While land-fishing for scorpions, rattlesnakes and trophy Gila monsters, inferno-level protection is not a luxury, it’s essential. Our reflective, fireproof 400+ UPF sun hoody keeps you safe from incurable levels of unimpeded solar radiation on even the most blister-inducing days.

Learn more at the link in bio.

Small Business Saturday is a call to support your local fly shop, but we would ask that you continue to do the same for the other 364 days of the year, as well. Need to fit some waders? Visit your fly shop. Need suggestions on layering or conditions? Same and same. We’re grateful for all our fly shop partners and the staff that keep them running. Do us a favor and support them. Find a dealer near you at the link in bio.

Photo: featuring