Description
The Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear is one of the most widely used flies worldwide, with a history dating back to the 1800s and is found in nearly all fly fishers fly boxes.
Although historical controversy surrounds the exact originator of the Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear, it is widely acknowledged that England is its birthplace. It emerged from the earlier fur-bodied flies popular in the 19th century, answering the call for a more adaptable and effective pattern that could imitate various aquatic insects, especially nymphs that form a significant part of a trout's diet.
The fly's name comes from its distinctive components: the fur from the ear of a hare used for the body, and a striking gold wire rib that winds around this body. The hare’s ear fur lends a naturally buggy look to the fly, making it an excellent generic representation of a nymph. The gold rib not only adds a captivating shimmer, reminiscent of the segmented bodies of numerous aquatic insects, but also enhances the fly's weight, aiding in achieving the right depth when fishing.
Its utility spans various methods, suiting different environments and target species. A prevalent approach is nymph-style fishing, where the fly is presented in a dead-drift manner near the streambed. This technique effectively simulates a natural nymph carried by the current, a scenario trout are habitually drawn to for feeding. For deeper waters, the fly can be weighted or paired with a split shot for quicker descent.
The fly’s adaptability extends to its customization. Anglers often alter its size and color to match local insect populations, enhancing its versatility. Some even add a bead head for increased weight and an additional element of attraction.
The popularity of the Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear lies in its straightforwardness and its broad mimicry of aquatic prey. It doesn’t mimic any specific insect; instead, it offers a general impression of several nymph species. It is commonly used to represent mayfly nymphs, stoneflies, caddis larvae, and as a general attractor pattern. This broad appeal has garnered it favor among anglers who value a fly that performs in diverse situations and conditions.
In essence, the Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear is more than a mere fishing lure; it embodies the heritage and progression of fly fishing. With origins steeped in the sport's history and a design that marries simplicity with efficiency, it's an essential component of any angler’s arsenal. Whether used in the serene streams of its English homeland or in varied waters worldwide, this fly continues to validate its prominence, catch after catch.
There have been many variations of the Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear since it was initially designed. Here are a few you should look at:
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear - Beadhead
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear - Tungsten Beadhead
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear - Flashback
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear - Flashback - Beadhead
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear - Flashback - Tungsten Beadhead
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear - Soft Hackle
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear - Soft Hackle Beadhead
Gold Ribbed Hares Ear - Soft Hackle Tungsten Beadhead
