The pattern notebook · nymph

Quasimodo Pheasant Tail

How do you tie a Quasimodo Pheasant Tail?

Quasimodo Pheasant Tail is a nymph fly pattern for trout. Find its 10 materials and 25 tying steps below.

Added to catalog May 29, 2026 · Updated June 1, 2026

At the vise

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Secure the hook in the vise.
Slide the bead onto the hook.
Wrap the lead wire around the hook shank.
Break off the excess lead wire and push the remaining wire into the bead.
Start the thread behind the bead and build a thread ramp.
Wrap the thread down the hook shank to the bend.
Tie in the pheasant tail fibers for the tail, about half the hook gap in length.
Tie in the pearl tinsel at the tie-in point for the tail.
Tie in the copper wire at the tie-in point for the tail.
Wrap the pheasant tail fibers forward to form the body.
Tie off the pheasant tail fibers at the front of the body.
Wrap the pearl tinsel forward over the body to the front.
Tie off the pearl tinsel at the front of the body.
Wrap the copper wire forward over the body to the front.
Tie off the copper wire at the front of the body.
Tie in the peacock herl for the thorax.
Wrap the peacock herl to form the thorax.
Tie off the peacock herl.
Tie in the pheasant tail fibers for the wingcase.
Pull the pheasant tail fibers over the thorax to form the wingcase.
Tie off the pheasant tail fibers at the front of the thorax.
Tie in the pheasant tail fibers for the legs.
Trim the pheasant tail fibers to the desired length.
Whip finish.
Apply head cement.