Hare’s Ear

The Hare’s Ear is a good pattern to imitate a caddis larva case or a mayfly nymph. Don’t stop there though, it also does a good job imitating a stonefly nymph or damsel fly nymph. I guess it’s success is due to the fact it doesn’t look exactly like anything, but it does look a lot like everything in the nymph world. Add the fact you can use dyed hair and synthetic fibers in the dubbing mix, and you can produce a nymph that looks like almost anything.

That’s right, I suggested substituting materials. These are basic, standard patterns, but you have the freedom to alter them to meet your needs. That’s why so many people take up fly tying in the first place; they can create flies that better fit their needs by changing a standard pattern a little. You are in control here. It’s your fly, and you have the freedom to make it any way you want to, as long as you aren’t tying for commercial purposes. (Commericial tyers must consistantly produce the same fly the buyer ordered.) So get creative if you want, you might be surprised by the results.

Al Campbell has the right ideas when it comes to Fly Tying! Pay very close attention to all he has to say.
Ron