Copper John vs. Pheasant Tail: which to tie on first

Open almost any trout angler’s fly box and you’ll find both. The Copper John and the Pheasant Tail are the two most popular nymphs in fly fishing, and they do different jobs.

The Pheasant Tail: the natural

The Pheasant Tail is slim, brown and simple, and it looks like the small mayfly nymphs that live in nearly every trout stream.

The Copper John: the attention-getter

The Copper John is a modern pattern built to sink fast and get noticed.

Fish them together

A two-nymph rig is one of the most effective ways to fish a river. Tie the heavier Copper John on first, then add 16 to 20 inches of tippet and tie on the Pheasant Tail.