The Bullet Proof Prince

Hook:     Daiichi 1560 or 1760 #8-#16
Thread:  MFC 8/0 or UTC 70, Black
Tail:       Brown or Tan Goose Biots
Rib:       Fine Gold Wire or Oval Tinsel
Body:    Peacock Herl
Hackle:  Mottled Hen Saddle
Wings:  White Goose Biots
Head:    Gold, Brass or Tungsten Bead

The Pheasant Tail Nymph, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear and Prince Nymph are three ‘cornerstone’ nymph patterns common to many fly boxes.  I am not immune to their charms as my fly boxes for both rivers and streams and lakes feature an assortment of Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear and Prince Nymph variants.  These ‘generic’ patterns suggest a variety of prey items including mayfly nymphs, scuds, stonefly nymphs, water boatman and backswimmers.  Early in a Callibaetis hatch a gold bead Pheasant Tail, Hares Ear Nymph or Prince Nymph can be magic.  Later as the hatch progresses more exact patterns may be required but on occasion the slight alternative these patterns provide makes them stand out amongst the naturals. 

The Prince Nymph has become a favourite searching pattern, whether prospecting a river or probing a promising shoal.  Perhaps the Prince Nymph’s only failing is its brittle peacock herl body.