Pheasant Tail Nymph (PTN, a classic pattern)

Pheasant Tail Nymph~SwittersB

PTN~SwittersB

As you can see, I tied these two pictured PTN’s differently. I am rarely consistent in tying a dozen flies all the same. The top fly is thicker, has more PT fibers for the tail and body, and I positioned a back strap of flash-mylar tinsel up the top of the abdomen and wrapped the copper rib up over the flash. I used PT for the wingcase. The bottom pattern is more sparse and has no mylar flash. I have previously talked about being a bit disenchanted with the PTN. It just never came thru for me. Of late, it is producing on stillwaters and streams. Wiser fishers swear by it…who am I to ignore this simple pattern.   

Refreshing As A Sno-Cone About Now

26 & Windy...Refreshing Memory Now~SwittersB

It has finally cooled off a bit after several weeks of 90-105 temps. I recall this day in late January. I gave up that day, beaten down by the East wind, the frozen feet and hands and sloppy casting. I was alone…that should have been a tip off…and I finally wore down and trudged back to the p-u. Now, the wind is forgotten and the whiteness seems to be as inviting as a refreshing sno-cone on a hot day. Like many grueling endeavors in life, later the sharp edges are smoother in the recollections.