This week’s TBT fly is the Hares Ear Nymph. It’s an old pattern and usually one of the first flies taught to beginner fly tyers. For some reason, many fly fishers start fishing this fly and then go away from it…I might be somewhat guilty as well.
My quick history review shows multiple references as to the origin of the Hares Ear Nymph. One stated it was invented in the 1880’s…George Leonard Herter in a book provided the following credit:
“The Hares Ear and Gold Ribbed Hares Ear both were made by fly tyer David Hemming of Redditch, England in 1832.”
Overall, it doesn’t really matter…it’s just old and has been catching fish since somewhere in the 1800’s.