Fly tying video: Double Standard Nymph. Detailed instructions on tying a fly that is half pheasant tail nymph and half bead head hare's ear nymph. This pattern is very easy to tie and works exceptionally well.
Two of the most effective--and most popular--trout flies in the world are the Pheasant Tail Nymph and theHare's Ear Nymph. So what could be better than a single nymph that combines the two? The Double Standard features the tails, abdomen, and wing case of a traditional PT and the buggy-looking hare's-ear thorax. Put a gold bead up front, and you've got yourself a pattern that imitates many mayfly nymphs and has enough attractive features to work as an effective searching pattern, too.
This video, by Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, offers clear, step-by-step instructions for tying this great pattern. What I really like about Flagler's videos, aside from the exceptional quality of the video itself, is that he offers clear explanations of why he ties the way he does, and he offers tips and tricks that you can apply to other patterns, as well. Here, for instance, you'll learn to "helicopter" your wire ribbing material to make a nice, clean break and how to splay the pheasant tail fibers behind the bead to form a better wingcase.
The Double Standard
Hook: 3X-long nymph hook (here, a Dai-Riki 286), sizes 10-18.
Bead: 3/32" gold bead.
Weight: .015 lead-free round wire.
Thread: Rusty brown, UTC 70 denier.
Rib: Copper Ultra Wire, small.
Tail & abdomen: Pheasant tail fibers.
Thorax: Hare's ear dubbing.
Wingcase: Pheasant tail fibers.
Adhesive: Head cement.
