The Pheasant Tail Nymph is one of those patterns that you should have lots of in different sizes and colours in your fly box. The bead headed version should be amongst those when a bit of sparkle or weight is needed (when trying to get the nymph to sink faster). This video shows how to tie the bead headed version.
mayfly nymph
Pheasant Tail Nymph Pattern
The Pheasant Tail Nymph is one of the classic fly patterns that will do for a wide variety of situations and insects. This video describes the American version of the fly with legs coming off the side. It varies slightly from the classic Sawyer’s pattern but is great in it’s own right.
This video describes how to tie the nymph in smaller sizes. These are often useful for picky fish. Be sure to tie lots of the Pheasant Tail nymph pattern in lots of sizes for your fly box.