How to Tie Ros’s Pink Pheasant Tail Nymph – Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Fly Tying

Nov 29

Hey there, fellow anglers! If you’re looking for a fly that’ll get both trout and grayling (graining) excited, you’ve got to check out this little beauty: my variation of Ros’s Pink Pheasant Tail. I fished this one on the Saana and let me tell you, it pulled in some absolute monsters—one over 5 pounds in the first day!

The magic here is the simplicity: a quick, easy-to-tie pattern that packs a punch in your fly box. I swapped the traditional pheasant tail for a Dullon tail to give it a little extra flair while keeping the tie super fast. Whether you’re gearing up for winter nymphing or just want a go-to trout killer, this fly is one you’ll want plenty of.

Let’s dive in and get you tying like a pro!

Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide

Hook & Bead:

Place a SLDJ hook, size 16 in your vice.
Slide on a 4mm metallic pink slotted bead.

Thread Base:
3. Start with UTC 70 thread in red. Wrap behind the bead and lock the bead in place.

Tail:
4. Grab 5–6 medium pardo Dullon fibers. Align tips and tie in on top of the hook shank. Keep the tail short and neat.
5. Trim butts and wrap thread down to the bend.

Ribbing:
6. Tie in small red wire on the side of the shank, securing to the tail base.

Body Tinsel:
7. Attach Mirage medium tinsel under the thread, pulling it tight to the top of the shank. Wrap back to the tail base and trim excess.

Pheasant Tail Overbody:
8. Select 2–3 pheasant tail fibers, trim fine tips. Tie in and wrap carefully to the bead. Start by hand, then secure with hackle pliers. Trim excess.

Ribbing Wrap:
9. Wrap red wire counter-clockwise over the body in 4–5 turns. Secure and trim.

Thorax:
10. Add Ice Dub in Peacock Black for the thorax. Only 2–3 turns needed. Counter-spin to tighten.

Finishing:
11. Apply a small amount of varnish over the thread.
12. Finish with a double whip finish behind the bead for durability.
13. Optional: Add a hint of red in front of the thorax for extra flash.