Description
Gold Head Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph, often simply called a "G.H. Hare's Ear." It's one of the most famous and widely used nymph patterns in the world. The fly is not designed to imitate a single insect, but rather to serve as a general-purpose nymph that looks like a wide range of aquatic insects, including mayfly nymphs and caddisfly larvae. The coarse, buggy appearance of the hare's ear dubbing is its most distinctive feature.
Type of Fly: Nymph (specifically, a Bead-Head Nymph). It's an attractor pattern that imitates a broad range of aquatic insects.
Target Fish: This fly is a consistent producer for all species of trout (including rainbow, brown, and brook trout), as well as grayling and other freshwater species that feed on nymphs.
When to Fish: The Hare's Ear is an incredibly versatile, year-round pattern. It is an excellent choice when you're not sure what the fish are eating, as its general appearance can fool many different species. It can be fished successfully at any time of day.
Saltwater or Freshwater: This is a freshwater fly.
Best Fishing Locations: The Hare's Ear is a universal pattern that works well in a variety of freshwater environments. It's an essential fly for rivers and streams but is also very effective in lakes and ponds. The gold head helps it sink to the desired depth, making it suitable for both shallow riffles and deep pockets.
Other valuable information: The fly's "buggy" texture, created by the coarse hare's ear dubbing, traps air bubbles when wet, which makes the fly look even more lifelike in the water. The gold ribbing and bead add segmentation and a bit of flash, which can be key triggers for strikes. It is a must-have in any angler's fly box and can be fished using a dead drift, a slow swing, or as part of a multi-fly rig.