The inventor of this fly is unknown, it was brought into view by T.C Hofland who referred to the fur from between the ears of a hare in 1839. The hare's ear is a somber pattern that can form the basis of many invertebrate imitations. Neither flashy nor complicated it is a fly that has accounted for a hell of a lot of fish over the years. The GRHE is a wonderfully versatile fly, in small sizes it can be taken as a variety of mayfly nymph and increase the size to the appropriate level and it can become anything from a stonefly to a dragonfly nymph.

Dressing:

• Thread - black, although a pale colour tinted to match the body with a permanent marker pen will be better for those
• Hook - 8 - 18 depending on the chosen invertebrate, a standard 2x nymph hook Is fine but don't be restricted, wetfly, dryfly, and curved swimming nymph hooks are also worth a try.
• Tail - The longish hairs taken from the cheek of the mask or from between the Ears.
• Rib - Traditionally fine flat gold tinsel although gold wire is preferable to some as it's strength creates a more durable fly.
• Abdomen and thorax - The fur from between the ears of a hare (including plenty of guard hair).
• Wing pad (optional) - Any dark feather (crow, rook golden pheasant) tied in behind the thorax and pulled over towards the head.
• Legs - The usual way of legging a GRHE is to pick out fibres from the thorax creating a scruffy effect. Alternatively a partridge feather can be tied in behind the thorax and pulled over leaving the fibres sticking out either side.