March Brown, Gold Ribbed Hares Ear – both well known and deadly patterns using the fabulous fur from the Hares ears or mask. But who remembers the Woodcock and Harelug, an equally deadly fly pattern.
For springtime wet fly fishing in northern rivers and lakes, look no further this rather somber looking pattern. Apart from a flash of gold on its tag, this pattern is tied using all natural materials. The Woodcock and Harelug has proved itself time and time again with good catches of trout.
Although it will take fish at any time of year, it really comes into its own from late April onwards. Some say it is a Blue Dun variation, something I personally can’t see, but it is know to take large numbers of trout when these are on the water.
The fly seems to get most of it’s success when fished in the middle of a 3 fly cast, coupled with a bob fly on the top dropper and another wet fly on the point.
The fly has a host of local names, including simply Hares Ear or Hares Fleck, but Woodcock and Harelug was the name given to it by it’s inventor, the well known James Ogden who also invented the ever popular Invicta.
The original tying didn’t include the gold tag, or the pinch of pale olive seals fur mixed with the fur from the Hare’s ear, which is deemed necessary by some today. However, the normal dressing found most commonly now is -
Hook – 12 to 14
Tying Silk – Well waxed yellow
Tail – 2 or 3 strands of Mallard bronze feather (or substitute). Cock pheasant tail fibres can also be used
Tag – Two turns of flat gold tinsel
Body – The darkest fur from the Hare’s ear picked out near the head to resemble the fly’s legs
Wing – Woodcock with the inside of the feather outwards
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