Flashback Pheasant Tail

Materials

How to Tie the Flashback Pheasant Tail

1. 1

   Step 1

   Optionally slide a bead onto the hook. Secure the hook in the vise and start thread behind the eye (or bead), wrapping back to the bend.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Select 3-5 pheasant tail fibers, align tips, and tie in at the bend as a tail about one shank length long.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Tie in a piece of small copper wire along the near side of the shank for ribbing.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Tie in a strip of pearl or opal tinsel on top of the shank at the bend for the flashback wingcase.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Tie in additional pheasant tail fibers by their tips at the tail. Wrap them forward in touching turns to form a slim abdomen, stopping about 2/3 up the shank. Tie off and trim.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Counter-wrap the copper wire forward over the pheasant tail abdomen in 5-8 turns for segmentation and durability. Secure and break off.

   Counter-wrapping protects the delicate pheasant tail fibers.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Bring the flashback tinsel forward along the top of the body but do not tie down yet—fold it back for use as the wingcase.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Tie in 2-3 strands of peacock herl and wrap to build a distinct thorax behind the eye or bead. Tie off and trim.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Pull the flashback tinsel over the thorax and tie down firmly. Optionally pull remaining pheasant tail fiber butts back along each side for legs and secure.

10. 10

    Step 10

    Build a small thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement for durability.