Fly Tier's Bench: Pheasant Tail (Simple) Sparkle Dun

The Pheasant Tail Sparkle Dun (AKA Simple Sparkle Dun) sits at the intersection of tradition and modern refinement. Charlie Craven’s demonstration shows how Craig Mathews adapted his iconic Sparkle Dun by incorporating pheasant‑tail fibers into the abdomen, a move that adds natural shimmer and segmentation without extra materials. The ribbing technique–using fine thread instead of wire–creates a subtle cross‑hatched translucence that mimics the look of a mayfly emerging from its shuck. The frilled barbules of pheasant‑tail fibers trap micro‑bubbles and reflect light in a way that closely matches natural mayfly duns. The thorax–built with a tight, color‑matched dubbing blend–suggests the moment a mayfly breaks free of its nymphal shuck, which is exactly when trout often feed most confidently. Whether tied as a PMD, BWO, or any local hatch, the PT Sparkle Dun excels when fish are locked onto fully developed duns with upright wings. Paired with Craven’s tying refinements, it becomes a durable, low‑riding, hyper‑effective dry fly that earns its place in any trout box.

Pick up a copy of the April-May issue for the full step-by-step tutorial!

Pheasant Tail Sparkle Dun Recipe

• HOOK: #16-18 Umpqua X Series XC 110BL. 
• THREAD: Yellow 12/0 50-denier Semperfli Nano Silk. 
• WING: Varner ginger bleach short fine deer hair. 
• SHUCK: Brown Zelon. 
• ABDOMEN: Ring-necked pheasant tail fibers. 
• RIB: Tying thread.
• THORAX: Superfine Dubbing to match natural.