How to Tie Flies with Pheasant Tails

by
posted on April 7, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (23)

Wingshooting and fly-fishing go more hand-in-hand than is readily apparent. Participants in each tend to share a passion for conservation and enjoy a connection to the outdoors. So, perhaps it should come as no surprise that there also tends to be a good deal of crossover—folks who hunt birds in the fall and winter, and fly fish in the spring and summer.

And why not? There are no better feathers for tying flies than those found on the ringneck pheasant, wood duck and other game. Unfortunately I've never been more than a casual fisherman, but the idea of shooting a pheasant, using its tail to tie flies and actually fooling a wild brown trout with my creation—well, that's enough to excite me. And, given that I now live in central Pennsylvania, amidst some of the best wild trout streams in the northeast, I have no excuse.

Especially since the Lyon County Chapter of Pheasants Forever has provided easy, step-by-step instructions and a handy illustrative photo. So, maybe this is my year. I've got pheasants tails and fly-tying instructions—the casting part is easy, right?

Latest

LEDE Rewards For New Hunter Ed
LEDE Rewards For New Hunter Ed

IHEA-USA Announces New Hunter Rewards Program and Investigation Instructor Academy

The International Hunter Education Association–USA (IHEA-USA), in partnership with Guidefitter, has launched PathPerks, a reward and recognition program designed for new hunter education graduates.

Remington Announces 4th Annual Shoot to Cure Fundraiser

Remington Ammunition will be hosting its 4th Annual Shoot to Cure sporting clays fundraiser on September 19, 2025.

Recipe: Venison Crostini with Smoky Berry-Spice Chimichurri

This venison crostini is more than a recipe, it’s a celebration of the hunt and the flavors it provides. Read on for how to make one all your own.

New for 2025: Browning Defender Vision Pro Livestream

The Defender Vision Pro Livestream from Browning Trail Cameras puts hunters in the middle of the action as it happens via the Strike Force Wireless app.

Hardware Review: Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter

A modern cowboy ought to have a modern lever-action rifle. That’s one reason Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper was so excited to get his hands on the latest lever gun from Smith and Wesson, the 1854 Stealth Hunter. Read on for his thorough review.

First Look: GoView Zoomr 10x42 Binocular

GoView USA has announced the introduction of its Zoomr 10x42mm binocular, designed specifically for situations where brilliant image quality is essential.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.