Alright, let me tell you about the Hare's Ear Nymph - the damn workhorse of my fly box since, hell, '92 maybe? That funky little GRHE variation's saved more slow days than I can count, especially on tricky waters like the Bighorn where trout get picky as hell.

Now, tying this beauty - you'll want a standard nymph hook, sizes 10 through 18 depending on what's hatching. I personally lean toward 14s for general work, but keep some 18s in your box for those fussy spring creek fish. Tail's just guard hairs from a hare's mask - though I've used soft hackle fibers in a pinch when the whiskey's made me forgetful. Body? Hare's ear fur, either dubbed straight on or from one of those pre-mixed blends. Pro tip: local guides swear by adding just a touch of orange dubbing to the mix, says it triggers more strikes in stained water.

Ah, the GRHE - Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear for you newbies. Basically the same fly but with some flashy tinsel wrapped around like Christmas gone wrong. Some folks add beads (which, let's be honest, we all should - that extra weight gets it down where the big boys live). The flashback's genius though - mimics that gas bubble nymphs get right before hatching. Fish go nuts for emergers, y'know? I remember one time on the Madison River...
Where was I? Right - tying the flashback. Same basic recipe as the classic, but after you've got the body wrapped, lay down that tinsel before building the thorax. Makes it sit just right on the fly's back, like nature intended. Some guys use pearl mylar now, but I'm old school - gold tinsel's never failed me.

What makes this pattern so goddamn effective? It's the ultimate generalist. Could be a mayfly, caddis, even a small stonefly nymph depending on size and color. When you're staring at water with no clue what's hatching (we've all been there), this is your first cast. Buggy as hell, moves just right in the current - trout can't help themselves. More versatile than your standard Pheasant Tail, though don't tell the purists I said that.

Fishing it? Christ, anywhere with freshwater. Dead drift under an indicator when they're being lazy, swing it through riffles when they're aggressive. Euro-nymphing? You bet - just add more weight. Works wonders in pocket water too, especially that tricky stuff below boulders where the big browns lurk. Only place it won't work is saltwater, and even then I've heard stories...

Anyway, tie up a few in different sizes, maybe with and without beads. Keep 'em scruffy - perfection kills the illusion. And if you see some old timer at the bar muttering about orange dubbing, buy him a drink. Might just be me.