Now that we are officially into spring, things are finally starting to get moving as far as warm water fishing goes. I can find fish in the shallows on most days, and fishing soft hackle patterns are still the most effective way to catch them. I like drab, natural looking patterns in early Spring and the Hare's Ear Softhackle fits the bill perfectly. This simple fly owe's its effectiveness to that miracle material hare's ear dubbing. I scrape mine right from the mask, but the bagged stuff will work just as good. There is just something about this fur that works magic on fish of all species. I like partridge and grouse for the hackle and interchange them frequently. To be honest with you, I just grab whatever is closest to me either bird will work just fine. As a reference, the flies in the photos are tied with grouse feathers. I have a tendency to mix up ribbing materials, again grabbing whatever is at arm's length on the tying desk. No need to be particular here, you can even leave it off, but I like to reinforce these flies whenever I can. At this time of year you can catch dozens of fish on a single fly so why not build them to last. Tie up a few and give them a try, there are not just for trout!

Click on the photo for the pattern recipe.