Tying the Double Tung Pheasant Tail
I prefer the traditional slim Pheasant Tail profile over the bulkier versions sold today as I think it is more subtle and effective. But it has two problems—lack or durability and not enough weight to sink it well. In my version, I add two small black tungsten beads to preserve the slim profile (and avoid a flashy and bulky gold bead), and I bury the wing case windings under the beads and twist the pheasant tail for the body with the wire and a loop of thread so the body does not fall apart as easily. I also replace the traditional tails of pheasant tail fibers with bronze mallard, which has the right shade and better markings than pheasant tail. It's now my go-to version of the Pheasant Tail Nymph.
Hook: 2XL nymph, sizes 14-18
Thread: Brown 12/0
Beads: Two black tungsten beads, one or two sizes smaller than usual
Wing case: Pheasant tail, about 10 strands. Tied in before beads to hide the wraps and provide durability
Tails: Bronze mallard, short and sparse
Body: About four strands of pheasant tail, twisted and wound with XS copper Ultrawire and a loop of fly-tying thread