The Pheasant Tail Grub Beadhead Trout Fly is a classic nymph pattern, renowned for its effectiveness in mimicking aquatic insects. Developed by Frank Sawyer, a river keeper on the River Avon in the 1950s, this fly has become a staple in fly boxes worldwide. Its design features a beadhead for added weight, ensuring it sinks quickly to reach feeding trout. The body is crafted from pheasant tail fibres, providing a natural appearance and movement in the water.
Key features include its realistic profile and versatile use in various water conditions. Anglers trust this fly for its proven track record in enticing trout, making it a must-have for any fishing adventure..
The Pheasant Tail Grub Beadhead is a versatile nymph fly effective for trout fishing. To maximise its effectiveness, use a dead-drift presentation by casting upstream and allowing the fly to drift naturally with the current. This mimics the natural movement of aquatic insects. Employ a strike indicator to detect subtle takes.
For retrieves, use a slow hand-twist or short, gentle strips to imitate an emerging insect. Fish it in riffles, runs, and pools where trout are likely to feed. Adjust the depth by adding split shot or using a longer leader to ensure the fly reaches the strike zone.
Key Seasons - when is this
Bead Head Nymph Trout Fly
most effective?
The Pheasant Tail Grub Beadhead is most effective during spring and autumn when trout are actively feeding on nymphs. In spring, as water temperatures rise, insect hatches become more frequent, making this fly ideal for mimicking emerging mayflies and caddisflies. Autumn is another prime time, as trout prepare for winter and feed aggressively.
Use this fly in clear, fast-flowing streams or rivers, especially during overcast days or when water levels are slightly elevated. It excels in conditions where natural nymphs are abundant, providing a realistic presentation that entices trout to strike.
How does the Turrall Pheasant Tail Grub Beadhead Trout Fly imitate a key stage in a fish's diet?
The Pheasant Tail Grub Beadhead fly is a masterful imitation of the nymph stage of mayflies, a crucial component of a trout's diet. This fly mimics the mayfly nymph's slender, segmented body and natural colours, which are particularly enticing to fish. During the nymph stage, mayflies dwell near the riverbed, making them a prime target for trout seeking an easy meal. The beadhead adds weight, allowing the fly to sink quickly and mimic the natural drift of a nymph being swept along by the current. Trout are drawn to this fly as it represents a high-protein, readily available food source, especially during hatches.
Pheasant Tail Grub Beadhead Trout Fly expertly tied
by Turrall for maximum performance.
The Turrall Pheasant Tail Grub Beadhead Trout Fly is expertly tied using high-quality materials to ensure maximum performance on the water. Crafted with precision, this fly features a realistic profile that mimics natural aquatic insects, making it irresistible to trout. The use of premium pheasant tail fibres and a weighted beadhead ensures optimal sinking and lifelike movement, enhancing its effectiveness in various fishing conditions.
Designed for durability and realism, this fly is a must-have for anglers seeking success in their fly fishing adventures.
Turrall Pheasant Tail Grub Beadhead Trout Fly BH50
- Turrall Premium Award-Winning Flies – The Best in Fly Fishing
England is the birthplace of fly fishing, and Turrall & Co. Ltd. is proud to be its longest-established company of professional fly dressers, crafting premium flies since the mid-nineteenth century. Over the years, Turrall has earned prestigious recognition from The Sunday Times, Country Living Magazine, and EFTTEX – the leading European Fishing Tackle Trade Association.
Every Turrall fly is the result of traditional craftsmanship fused with modern innovation, delivering consistent, high-performance results on the water. Turrall use only the finest materials, starting with high carbon steel hooks—needle-ground, surgically sharp, and double-coated for durability. Matched with world-class feathers and furs, including
Metz Genetic Hackles where appropriate, these hand-tied patterns are trusted by fly anglers worldwide.
