
Nymph
Olive Hare's Ear
Olive-dubbed searching nymph
Trout · GraylingSubsurface
The standard Hare's Ear given an olive cast — dubbed rough from the mask with an olive tint that matches the prevalent upwing nymphs in most European rivers. Dead-drift it along the bottom or induce a take with a gentle lift. The buggy fibres trap air bubbles that give it a living translucence the fish find irresistible.
Fish this when
Spring through autumn when pale or medium olives are hatching. Dead-drift through smooth or moderate current.
Why it works
Hare's ear dubbing with olive tint reads as dozens of nymphs. Trout eat it without hesitation.
Naturals it imitates
olive-toned mayfly or general nymph
Typical zone & fishable range
usually
Surface
Film
Subsurface
Deep
Setup sensitivity: medium
Quick facts
Tying difficulty
Beginner-friendly
Buy or tie?
Tying a Gold Ribbed Olive Hare’s Ear Nymph with Davie McPhail
Davie McPhail · canonical
A1 Trout Flies
Good UK stillwater source for FABs, lures, buzzers, blobs, boobies and modern reservoir patterns.
Stillwater Fisheries
UK stillwater-focused fallback for trout flies and stillwater tackle.
Flies Of Ireland
Dedicated Irish lough-fly specialist; sells this pattern under its exact name.