7 easy-to-tie flies that will catch fish anywhere in Canada

HARE’S EAR FLYMPH

In modern fly fishing, the dominant subsurface insect pattern is the nymph. These highly realistic imitations are fished up and across stream in a dead-drift. But here’s what no one tells you: Nymph fishing is hard. Expert nymphers catch plenty of fish, but many anglers are left frustrated by the difficulty of achieving a drag-free drift, let alone detecting the near-imperceptible strikes. I also find typical nymph patterns a little static, lacking the subtle signs of struggle and life that turn on predators.

That’s why I love the Flymph, a deliciously vulnerable-looking hybrid of nymphs and old-timey wet flies. On the drift, I’ve found this fly just as good as more elaborate nymphs. It’s lethal when swung down and across stream like a traditional wet, and swims beautifully in ponds. The overall lifelike effect comes from the Flymph’s wiggly feather legs, and the fibres of the natural-fur body, which move slightly and capture tiny air bubbles, just like natural bugs. Whether you buy commercially prepared dubbing material or clip your own from a bunny face, be sure the body has a ragged, untidy look. In fact, this fly fishes better once it gets a little chewed up.

Hook: Standard wet, sizes 8 to 14
Body: Fur from hare’s mask and ear, roughly dubbed
Collar: Soft, webby hen or partridge hackle