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The hare's ear nymph is at least 500 years old. Although it seems I've been tying for that many years, I did not create this fly. In fact, the version that I tie is not even my variation, except for the beadhead. This "buggy" version comes from the late, great Polly Rosborough which I met at one of the FFF National Conclaves back in the early 90s. Polly - an IFFF Buz Buzek winner (represents Lifetime Achievement in Fly Tying) created many flies which could be described as "buggy", and authored the landmark book "The Fuzzy Nymphs".

In addition to being the first to add a "gold rib" to the hare's ear fly, Rosborough used parts of the hares ear to create the tail, abdomen and thorax. . In addition, his thorax is made with a dubbing loop of fibers from the mask of the rabbit. The fibers of the tail, along with the spun fibers of the thorax, add subtle motion to this fly that is especially effective in moving waters. While it's a great trout fly, it's even better for redear sunfish (chiquapin), bluegill, and Rio Grande Perch.  

Materials:
- Hook: 2XL nymph, size 14
- Bead: small (5/64”)
- Thread: brown or olive size 6/0, to match hare's mask (I use dark brown, natural and olive)
- Tail: Hare's Mask, short hairs found on the lower ear
- Abdomen: Mixture of hare's mask fur and antron, copper wire
- Thorax: Longer hare's mask fibers found on sides of face
- Wing Case: 4 strands of turkey fibers

Instructions:

1) Start with thread base, then tie in bead head building up a thread ball behind the bead to secure it in place.
2) Tie in tail fibers
3) Tie in copper wire
4) Get several clumps of hare’s mask and antron and blend it together with your fingers. Touch the fibers to the waxed thread and form a “noodle” of dubbing. Wrap the dubbing toward the hook bend. Then wrap thread back toward the eye.
5) Spiral the copper wire thru the abdomen by wrapping opposite the dubbing.
6) Cut off turkey feather section. Bind in at thorax going towards tail.
7) Form a dubbing loop at rear end of the thorax about 3-4” long and add long fibers. Tighten the dubbing loop by spinning with a dubbing spinner or any other weight to lock the fibers to the loop. When tightened, wrap the loop around the thorax area.
8) Once the thorax is formed, pull the turkey wing fibers forward and bind down behind bead head.
9) Take a small brush or dubbing needle and gently abrade the bottom and sides of the thorax to give the fly a “buggy” appearance.
10) Whip finish and apply head cement.