I have had a lot of fun tying the Brassie fly pattern. It is easy pattern to mimic and is a great nymph pattern to use. It sinks quickly due to the wire and bead head and it is extremely effective when fished. There are many variations that I have seen but the one that has been most effective for me was using peacock herl and a silver bead. I originally found a great video to show me the pattern from Tim Flagler who produces some great videos for Tightline Productions I believe. I then took that recipe and altered it to test it against the original recipe. I will share the video and both recipes. The results were about even in terms of action that I got from my fishing efforts but I personally liked the silver bead head as it added a little flash to the presentation. I know that isn’t a scientific answer to which one might be better but I am reporting my own experiences with both versions and I hope you will take the time to tie them both and see for yourself.
Tying the Brassie fly pattern
Original Recipe from Tim:
Hook: 2X-short emerger hook (here a Dai-Riki #125), sizes 14-20.
Bead: Black, 3/32”.
Thread: Black, 70 denier or 8/0.
Body: Copper Ultra Wire, brassie-size.
Head/Thorax: Peacock herl.
Recipe I used:
Hook: Lightning Strike SE 5 (scud/emerger) size 16.
Bead: Cyclops Silver bead head
Thread: Denier Ultra Thread, Olive, 70
Body: Copper Ultra Wire
Head/Thorax: Peacock herl.