pheasant tail nymph replacement

Anybody have any ideas on a different fly with better durability than a pheasant tail nymph? Ive tried everything I can think of including coating with head cement from hook bend to head and the fish still destroy my nymphs in short order. I don't think I've had one last more than forty fish yet. Some last only through three fish and they're done. I'm open to ideas on new flies. Thanks in advance!

The Box.... Probably the best Pattern Website out there: http://www.charliesflyboxinc.com/flybox/index.cfm

check out the charlies flybox website. he has a great alternative to a pheasant tail. he calls it a p.t.a. or pheasant tail alternative...its a great looking fly

You buying or tying? I tie them and twist a strand of copper wiring with the pheasant tail hackle before wrapping. It still breaks but at least it does not shredd.

40 on 1 fly?? holy moly!! I have a hard time catching anything on nypmhs to begin with.

Try using medium sized antron for the wing case and legs. 40 fish for one fly is pretty good though.

Try a Copper John

I don't think I have ever even caught 40 fish in a season. In fact I know I haven't!

Thanks guys....So far the only flies lasting that many fish have been clousers, but the fish don't like those as much as my nymphs....I'm trying new clouser patterns after the May opener and I'll see if that helps...

Goh, 40 fish on a fly? I don't think you have anything to complain about. Mine generally last much less than that, especially with gills. I expect only about maybe 20 at the most. Then it is time to strip the hook and retie it. Of course most my flies are really simple to tie so it isn't that much trouble.

I cheat and many times instead of using the pheasant tail to wrap the body, i just wrap it with brown thread, then the fine wire over top. Still do the tail, wing case, and legs the same though. It seems to me that it lasts longer, and seems to work pretty much the same. Even that way i feel like 40 fish for one fly seems like quite a few.