How to Tie a Pheasant Tail Nymph for BC Rivers – The 511 Turbo Nymph
The 511 Turbo Nymph is a simple and effective variation on the classic Frenchie fly. This is fly designed to sink fast (in BC we can only use one fly) and it represents many food items! When Czech Nymphing or “Tight Line” or “Contact Nymphing” with a single fly Euro nymphing set up, this fly will get into the zone quickly.
Fish take this fly as a mayfly nymph, a stonefly, or a small salmon fry, as it seems to work year round! The name comes from the 11 wraps of lead-free round wire followed by 5 wraps. Applying the wire that way builds a nice tapered body on the hook. I suggest having at least 5 in your box because when it’s on….it’s on! The 511 Turbo fly will work for rainbow trout, bull trout, cutthroat trout, and steelhead.
Fly Tying Material List:
Hook: Hanak Competition H450BL #14
Bead: 3.8 mm slotted tungsten gold bead
Thread: UTC 70 Fl. Fire Orange
Underbody: .015 lead free round wire
Body: Natural Pheasant Tail
Wire: UTC Ultra Wire X-Sm Copper
Wing: Natural CDC
Fly Fishing the 511 Turbo Pheasant Tail Nymph
When fly fishing with the 511 Turbo I suggest that you use short, medium, and long distance euro-nymphing techniques. Trout seem to take this fly drifted vertically as well as swung in the current. The BC rivers we fly fish in Squamish , Whistler, and Pemberton including the Squamish River, the Mamquam River, the Cheakamus River, and the Birkenhead River are fast and deep. It is not uncommon to fly fish in up to 6 ft of water. Because this fly is so heavy and slender, the 511 Turbo fly can get down to the bottom quickly, cover all zones of the river, and most importantly it will help keep your line tight!! The added CDC (you should be adding CDC to most of your nymphs) makes this fly really come to life subsurface! To learn more about how to fish this fly try booking a half day or full day fly fishing trip with one of our guides! Better yet take my online Czech Nymphing Course Now!
Tight lines and fast tying,
Clint Goyette