The UV Brown Soft Hackle - Flash & Versatility

A Pattern That Punches Above Its Weight

If you’ve been following along, you’ve probably noticed a theme in my fly boxes. Like last week’s Sexy Walt’s Worm, I lean hard into flies that serve as attractors—not dead-on imitations. Today’s pattern is no different.

The UV Brown Soft Hackle is my own riff on the classic Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle. It blends proven ingredients with a few modern tweaks, creating a deadly effective fly that’s fooled trout across the country. It fishes like a mayfly. It fishes like a caddis. And most importantly—it just fishes.

What Makes It Work

This fly checks every box that matters:

• UV Brown dubbing gives it a subtle internal glow and buggy texture.

• Hot orange wire ribbing provides a segmented look and just the right flash.

• A soft brown CDC collar traps bubbles and adds delicate movement.

The beauty of soft hackles is in their ambiguity. Depending on how it rides, that CDC can look like trailing shuck, legs, or even wings. It's not an exact match for any one thing—but it suggests a lot, which is exactly the point.

Jig Hooks, Shallow Water & Profile Tweaks

Tied on a jig hook with an undersized bead, this fly isn’t just effective—it’s practical. It sinks quickly, avoids snags, and rides hook point up. That makes it perfect for running through fast, shallow riffles—especially those spots you’d normally write off.

Another underappreciated bonus? That inverted profile gives fish a different view than your standard nymph. In pressured waters, even a subtle variation in silhouette can make a difference. I’m not saying trout are geniuses—but they definitely notice what gets thrown at them a lot.

When to Fish It

This one shines as a dropper in a Euro rig or on a shallow dry-dropper setup. It’s light enough to stay up but heavy enough to tick the zone. It’s become one of my go-tos when nothing else is working—and when everything is.

The Sexy Walt's Worm - Simple. Buggy. Effective

Classic Roots. Modern Edge.

I love classic Pennsylvania patterns. There’s something about their history, simplicity, and enduring effectiveness that just works. One of my all-time favorites is Al’s Rat, which I’ve covered in a full post before. But today’s Sunday Spotlight focuses on a modern twist of another PA staple — the Sexy Walt’s Worm.

This variation of the original Walt’s Worm blends tradition with subtle flash, making it one of the most effective patterns in both guide boxes and comp circuits.

Born in Central PA

The original Walt’s Worm was created by Walt Young to tackle the famously tough waters of Spring Creek in Central Pennsylvania. If you’ve ever fished Central PA, you know it’s a land of technical trout and highly pressured fisheries. That kind of environment demands flies that offer few reasons for trout to say no.

Enter the Walt’s Worm: a stripped-down, buggy pattern that sinks fast, drifts naturally, and resembles… well, everything and nothing at the same time.

The Sexy Upgrade

The Sexy Walt’s, credited to Loren Williams (and first discovered by many of us on the old TroutLegend forums), adds a subtle hotspot and just a touch of flash with metallic ribbing. That tweak made it an instant staple in competitive fly fishing.

For years, you couldn’t find a serious comp angler whose box didn’t include rows of Sexy Walt’s Worms in various shades and sizes. Personally, I’ve had days where I’ve fished nothing but Walt’s — light, dark, small, large — and caught fish all day.

It’s that good.

Why It Works

• Flexibility: It doesn’t match the hatch — and that’s the point. It blends in with so many natural cues that picky fish often eat it instinctively.

• Sinks Fast: Especially when tied on a jig hook with a slotted bead and (optional) lead wraps.

• Customizable: Adjust dubbing shades, ribbing, and hotspot color to fit your waters.

The Psycho Prince - Flashy. Versatile. Ready to Prospect.

Back to the Basics — with a Twist

We’re getting back on track this week with one of my favorite takes on a time-tested classic: the Psycho Prince. Like the traditional Prince Nymph, this fly doesn’t imitate a single insect. Instead, it blends characteristics of many—making it a near-perfect prospecting pattern.

When fish aren’t focused on a specific food source, a fly like this can make all the difference. It’s a generalist. A confidence fly. One that works across water types, depths, and conditions.

The Utility of the Prince Nymph

One of the strengths of the Prince (and the Psycho Prince by extension) is its adaptability. You can tie it in a wide range of sizes—typically from 8 to 22. Larger sizes push toward stoneflies or bigger caddis/mayfly larvae, while smaller versions lean into baetis or even midges.

That kind of flexibility makes it a must-have in just about any fly box.

Why the Psycho Version Works

The Psycho Prince isn’t subtle—and that’s the point. It’s an attractor prospector, built to trigger strikes through color, contrast, and flash. UV dubbing adds a glow that gets noticed, while the wing case and Ice Wing fibers bring in just enough movement to spark curiosity… and reaction.

Even with all the flash, the fly still maintains a solid silhouette and profile. Contrast is key: the purple UV dubbing pops against the brown collar, white wings, and natural pheasant tail. That balance of shape, sheen, and contrast is what makes it so effective.

When & How to Fish It

Use the Psycho Prince when trout are noncommittal, when nothing’s hatching, or when you're exploring a new stretch of water. Fish it as a dropper or even on the point—it’ll hold its own. Prospecting isn’t about perfection—it’s about covering water with confidence. This fly helps you do just that.

The Silli Leg Stonefly - Heavy, Specific, Worth it.

Breaking the Rule (Again)

I’ve been on a streak of highlighting flies that break my number one rule: always fish patterns that can imitate multiple food sources. The Silli Leg Stonefly definitely doesn’t follow that principle—it’s stonefly or bust. But when the stoneflies are active, this pattern flat-out works.

Stoneflies aren’t just a seasonal bug either. Depending on the river system, they can be present year-round. Personally, I like to have a stone on my rig during the early summer and winter months, especially here on the East Coast. But it's never a bad idea to test the water at other times, too—flip a few rocks and you’ll know pretty quick if they’re around. They’re not exactly subtle.

Why Stoneflies Work

Trout love stoneflies for one reason: the calories. The effort-to-reward ratio is massively in their favor. Why burn energy chasing a midge when there’s a steak-sized bug drifting by? Makes perfect sense to me.

The Silli Leg Stonefly is especially effective as an anchor fly. If you tie it right—compact and heavy—it’ll get down fast. In fact, sometimes it’s the only fly in my box that can reach the bottom of a deep tailout pool. That said, it’s not something I’d use to drag through a shallow riffle. It's a tool, and like all tools, it works best when used in the right scenario.

Tying Notes

This fly is designed to be functional, durable, and attention-grabbing. The oversized black tungsten bead brings weight, while the silli legs offer movement and contrast that make the fly pop in the water. I particularly like using orange and black legs for that visual punch.

Tying Recipe

Hook - Hanak H 500 BL or equivalent all round. Here a Sz 10. Jig hooks will also work in this application.

Thread - Veevus 16/0 Black

Tail - 2x turkey biot strands. Don’t be afraid to use a small piece of mono help “splay” the biots.

Ribbing - gold or copper wire

Body - any black stonefly branded or Hare’s Ear dubbing

Thorax - Same as the body

Wing Case - I like brown mottled scud skin - gives it an almost imperceptible flash

Legs - Silli legs with a color of your choosing as long as the leg material is thin ( the thinner it is the more movement you get)

Bead - Any brand tungsten bead. The best part about this anchor fly is you can oversize this tungsten bead as much as your hook will allow, as long as it’s black.

When & Where

Use this fly as an anchor in deeper water—tailouts, slots, or drop-offs. Fish it dead drift, and don’t be afraid to lose a few. If you’re not near the bottom, you’re not in the zone.

The Flashback Scud - Simple, Effective, Situational

Not My Favorite — But When It’s On, It’s On

I’ve never been a huge fan of fishing scuds. That’s not because they don’t work—it’s because they only really work in very specific conditions. Scuds are highly localized: if you’re not fishing slow-moving or still water, especially on a tailwater where mid- or surface-fed dam flows exist, they’re not usually in the mix.

I’ve always leaned heavily toward flies and techniques that let me imitate multiple food sources at once. Scuds aren’t that. They don’t look like anything else. When you fish a scud, you’re fishing a scud—period. It’s a one-lane road.

But in the right water? A scud can absolutely save the trip.

Where Scuds Thrive

Scuds thrive in calm, shallow, and vegetated environments—especially near the bottom. Think of them tucked in between rocks, root balls, and mats of decaying plant matter near the shoreline of lakes and ponds. You’ll also find them in slow, shallow sections of tailwaters. If you’re not fishing in that kind of water, leave the scuds in the box. But when you are… game on.

My Flashback Scud

I don’t fish scuds often, so when I do, I keep it simple. This flashback version is my go-to. It’s quick to tie, durable, and effective when the situation calls for it.

Key Features:

• A mottled mylar back gives subtle contrast and sheen—just enough to draw attention.

• A few strands of brown polypro add movement and flash.

• The ribbing can be anything: I like yellow wire here for some attractor appeal, but feel free to get creative.

• The most important part? Keep the profile slim. It matters.

Tying Recipe

Hook - Standard Scud (curved) style. Sizes 10-20. I prefer the smaller end of that scale and use Euro branded hooks for my scuds. Think Hanak, Hends, etc.

Thread - Veevus 16/0 (tan) – keeps profile thin

Tail - Brown poly pro stands adds movement (optional)

Ribbing - Wire, tinsel, or mono/Fluoro

Body - Wapsi Sow Scud Dubbing in Rainbow or Tan

Back - Mottled Mylar or any type of branded scud back material

Fishing Tips

Fish this pattern dead drift in slow or still water. Tailwaters with scud populations are prime targets. And don’t be afraid to lose a few—if you’re not occasionally ticking bottom, you’re fishing it too high.

Cinnamon Toast: A Minimalist Baetis Nymph with Maximum Impact

Why the Cinnamon Toast Deserves a Spot in Your Nymph Box

Kevin Compton’s Cinnamon Toast nymph is a prime example of what happens when smart material choices and minimalist design come together. On paper, it’s a simple pheasant tail-style baetis nymph—but on the water, it offers a realistic profile and natural movement that pressured trout can’t ignore.

Built around a slim turkey biot body, a contrasting peacock thorax, and a refined silhouette, the Cinnamon Toast fills a familiar niche in a smarter way. It’s a mayfly imitation that plays the same role as the pheasant tail but with just enough difference to fool selective fish.

Why Fish the Cinnamon Toast?

Let’s be honest—when most of us think “mayfly nymph,” we reach for a pheasant tail. It’s one of the most effective nymphs ever tied. But that also makes it very familiar to trout, especially in pressured systems.

That’s where the Cinnamon Toast comes in. It offers:

• A slimmer profile that cuts through current and looks more natural

• Olive turkey biot with subtle segmentation and two-tone hues

• Jan Siman Peacock Dubbing for a rich, buggy thorax

• Subtle material movement that adds lifelike realism without flash

It’s simple, quick to tie, and deadly effective in Euro nymphing or indicator rigs. It gets down fast and doesn’t give fish much to refuse.

Key Materials & Tying Notes

Hook - Standard nymph hook (barbless preferred for Euro setups)

Thread - Veevus 16/0 (brown or olive) – keeps profile thin

Bead (Optional) - Copper tungsten bead – use weighted and unweighted versions

Tail - Coq de Leon fibers – natural speckling for realism

Ribbing - Fine copper wire – reinforces and segments body

Body - Olive turkey biot – tapered and segmented, lifelike baetis look

Thorax - Jan Siman Peacock Dubbing (bronze or UV bronze) – adds contrast and texture

Pro Tip: While the original uses a brown-olive condor substitute, turkey biots are more available and offer the same effect. Avoid over-dressing the thorax—less is more with this pattern.

Customization & Variations

• Keep variations minimalist—this pattern works because of its realism and simplicity.

• Avoid swapping thorax dubbing too drastically; test results show Jan Siman’s UV bronze performs best.

• If you're not using Jan Siman dubbing elsewhere, you should—it’s an excellent peacock herl substitute and quickly becoming my go-to.

Why It Belongs in Your Baetis Arsenal

The Cinnamon Toast nymph hits all the marks:

• ✅ Slim, fast-sinking profile for Euro or indicator rigs

• ✅ Realistic baetis silhouette with lifelike material movement

• ✅ Easy to tie and easy to trust during baetis hatches

• ✅ Subtle and selective—perfect for pressured trout

This fly shines in rivers with consistent mayfly activity and offers a thoughtful alternative when trout have seen one pheasant tail too many.

Final Thoughts

If you love modern, fishy, minimalist nymph patterns, Kevin Compton’s Cinnamon Toast should be on your bench and in your fly box. It’s simple to tie, deadly effective, and a refreshing twist on the pheasant tail.

Tie a few in sizes 16 to 20, and you’ll quickly see why this is one of my favorite baetis nymphs to fish anywhere in the country.

Galloup’s Hare’s Ear: The Ultimate Guide Nymph for All Conditions

Why the Hare’s Ear Still Reigns Supreme

If there’s one fly that’s earned its place in every trout angler’s box, it’s the Hare’s Ear nymph. It’s a generalist pattern that imitates a wide range of aquatic insects—and that’s exactly what makes it so deadly.

Several years ago, Bryce and I spent a full week on Colorado’s South Platte River with a Hare’s Ear on our rigs the entire time. Whether we ran it deep as an anchor or higher in the water column, it consistently produced fish. Sometimes it was even the first clue that the bite was about to turn on.

That’s the magic of the Hare’s Ear:
It doesn’t imitate anything specific—yet it resembles everything.

A Buggy Upgrade: Galloup’s Hare’s Ear

Roughly 8–9 years ago, I stumbled across a post detailing Kelly Galloup’s original take on the Hare’s Ear, and it completely changed how I tie this pattern.

What makes it different?

• Dubbing-looped abdomen and thorax: Gives the fly a pulsing, lifelike motion underwater.

• Flash ribbing: Adds subtle attraction for pressured or off-color water.

• Peacock herl wing case: Provides contrast and a natural sheen fish key in on.

Kelly Galloup hand-blends his dubbing mix from a natural hare’s mask and hare’s ear, but I opt for a high-quality pre-mixed blend. Just make sure the mix includes guard hairs—they add critical texture and movement.

Materials:

Hook - Standard Nymph Hook

Thread - Brown or Tan Veevus 16/0

Tail - Coq De Leon (Light Pardo)

Ribbing - Subtle flash (here sulky holoshimmer) or gold wire

Abdomen - Hare’s mask dubbing in loop (pre blended or custom mixed)

Thorax - Same as body

Wing Case - Natural peacock hurl

Optional - Hungarian partridge tied in as wings

Pro Tip: If you’re doing a replenishment session, it’s okay to skip the partridge—this fly works just as well without it. But for a presentation upgrade, it adds a nice touch.

Variations and Local Tweaks

One of the biggest advantages of this pattern is its adaptability. You can easily shift the tone to match local water conditions:

• Olive or brown dubbing for mayfly-heavy rivers

• Gold or amber tones in off-colored or tannic waters

• Add a bead if you need faster sink rates for Euro setups

This fly is an excellent choice if you're looking for a guide-style nymph: quick to tie, easy to customize, and built for all-day performance.

Final Thoughts

Galloup’s Hare’s Ear takes the legendary effectiveness of the traditional Hare’s Ear and turns it into a modern, movement-rich nymph that performs in all water types, all seasons, and all setups. Whether you’re tightlining, swinging, or floating under an indicator, this fly gets it done.

Add a few to your box in sizes 12 to 18—you won’t regret it.