Flashback Hare’s Ear

Hook: TMC 3769.
Size:  #12 - 18

Thread: brown or tan 6/0.
Tail: Red squirrel tail.
Rib: gold tinsel.
Body: natural hares ear dubbing.
Wingcase: pearlescent flashback.

Instructions:

1.      Place a small amount of red squirrel tail in a hair stacker to ensure all the tips are aligned, then tie on to end of shank.

2.      Tie on a strand of gold tinsel or wrap and fold back until later use.

3.      Using a dubbing tool (or dub directly onto thread), form a tapered body halfway or 2/3 up the shank towards the eye. 

4.      Wrap gold tinsel around dubbed body.  Be sure to wrap the tinsel in the opposite direction and across the dubbed body to hold it down better.  Tie down.

5.      Wrap a thin strip of pearlescent flashback or mottled turkey tail fibers on top of the body and fold back for later use.

6.      Dub a larger, thicker thorax section to continue the tapered body.  This thorax should be noticeably thicker than the body.

7.      Fold wingcase material over newly dubbed thorax and tie down behind eye of hook.

8.      Whip finish and apply head cement to knot.

9.      Pick out guard hairs with a bodkin or Velcro brush to give it a buggy appearance.

Comments: The flashback is a variation of the classic hare’s ear. This is a very simple pattern to tie because not much detail is involved and there is plenty of room for error.  Since the fly looks like a big gray blob anyways, a few imperfections won’t ruin it.  I also tie half of my hare’s ears with a beadhead or use lead wraps underneath the thorax.  The lead wrap helps to form a tapered body as well as getting it to sink quicker.  I tie this fly in black and olive, as well as natural, with excellent results.  The most critical part of tying this fly is making sure you pick at it long enough to make it look very buggy.  A good dubbing should contain a large number of guard hares to give it that leggy appearance.  This fly works year round in lakes and streams and can be fished using just about any method.  There have been many times when black is the only color that will work.  The black versions are good imitations of small hellgrammites and stoneflies.  I have only recently started using the flashback material because I have found that a little extra flash is all you need to induce a strike.  Trout, bluegill, and small bass love this fly!