By Tom Nokes

The Brassie is a chironomidae (midge) larvae imitation. The actual bug itself spends a good part of its life buried in the mud with only its head exposed. These are very tiny creatures that all trout rely upon as a staple food source. They leave their mud homes and hatch throughout much of the year.

This pattern works best for me when fished over a mud or moss bottom. Many people prefer to fish it the same as any other nymph in riffle water. On my last trip to the Green River this exact pattern saved the trip. The fish had been very selective and spooky. However, they easily accepted this fly and in several cases fought over it. The last cutthroat I caught at Bonneville had refused several patterns earlier in the day, but did not hesitate when presented with this one. The fish was only in six inches of water and when hooked beached himself in the mud. Not a great fight, but a clear representation of what this fly can do for you.

Hook: DAI-RIKI 300 or Mustad AC94840

Size: 16 to 22

Tail: Ringneck pheasant breast

Body: 34 gauge copper wire

Beard: Ringneck pheasant breast

Head: Peacock herl or natural ostrich

Thread: 8/0 dark brown

Step 1: Tie in a small clump of pheasant breast to equal 1/2 the length of the hook. Next tie in the copper wire. The fly will have a much smoother body if you will tie the end of the copper in at the head of the fly and wrap over it with your tying thread back to the bend of the hook. This will keep the fly from having a large lump at the back of the fly where you tied everything in.

Step 2: Wrap the copper wire forward without leaving any space between the wraps. Allow 2/3 of the hook for the body and the rest for the head and beard. Tie off wire and trim.

Step 3: Tie in another small clump of pheasant for the beard. Tie in and wrap a peacock herl for the head. Tie off, whip finish and cement.