Ah, the Brassie—one of my all-time favorite go-to nymphs when the fish are keyed in on tiny stuff. It’s about as simple as a fly gets, but don’t let that fool ya. This little beast sinks like a rock and shines just enough to drive trout nuts, especially when they’re slurping midge larvae or caddis pups.

Tying It (Sort Of):

Grab a short-shank hook—size 18 to 22, though I lean toward 20s for most tailwaters. Now, the real trick? Wrapping that copper or brass wire tight enough to look sleek but not so tight it looks like a busted spring. Took me a dozen tries to get it right—my early attempts looked like a drunk spider’s web. Pro tip: Stretch the wire a bit first; it lays smoother.

Then there’s the peacock herl thorax. Gorgeous stuff, but man, it’s fussier than a cat in a bathtub. Breathe wrong, and it frays. I pinch the tips with my fingernail before tying it in—saves some cussing. Finish with a quick whip finish (don’t overdo it) and a dab of cement. Skip the cement? Congrats, your fly’s a one-hit wonder.

What It’s Good For:

This thing’s a midge pupae machine. That flash from the wire? Dead ringer for shucks splitting open. But here’s the kicker: It’s garbage in muddy water. Fish can’t see the sparkle, so save it for clear flows or tailwaters. And size it to the larvae, not some hatch chart—if they’re eating #22 midges, your #18 Brassie might as well be a tennis ball.

Where I Throw It:

Fast water? Absolutely. The weight gets it down quick in riffles. But my secret spot? Deep spring creek pools where fish are glued to the bottom. Cast it upstream, let it dead-drift, and hang on. Stillwaters? Eh, maybe if you’re dredging for stockers, but there are better options.

Final Thought:

The Brassie’s like a good pocket knife—simple, reliable, and damn near perfect when you need it. Just don’t expect it to do everything. Now, who’s got the coffee?