Now that we are officially into spring, things are finally starting to get moving as far as warm water fishing goes.  I can find fish in the shallows on most days, and fishing soft hackle patterns are still the most effective way to catch them.  I like drab, natural looking patterns in early Spring and the Hare's Ear Softhackle fits the bill perfectly.  This simple fly owe's its effectiveness to that miracle material hare's ear dubbing.  I scrape mine right from the mask, but the bagged stuff will work just as good.  There is just something about this fur that works magic on fish of all species.  I like partridge and grouse for the hackle and interchange them frequently.  To be honest with you, I just grab whatever is closest to me either bird will work just fine.  As a reference, the flies in the photos are tied with grouse feathers.  I have a tendency to mix up ribbing materials, again grabbing whatever is at arm's length on the tying desk.  No need to be particular here, you can even leave it off, but I like to reinforce these flies whenever I can.  At this time of year you can catch dozens of fish on a single fly so why not build them to last.  Tie up a few and give them a try, there are not just for trout!