Rainbow Warrior
(and variation Dragon Warrior)
Hook: Tiemco 2487
Size #14-#20.
Tying
thread: Red 8/0 or UTC 70.
Bead: Rainbow bead, glass bead, or bead of choice.
Tail: Pheasant tail fibers.
Body: Pearl mylar tinsel, flashabou, or ribbon. (Black
halographic tinsel for the Dragon Warrior).
Thorax: Rainbow Sow Scud Dubbing.
Wing Case: Pearl mylar tinsel, flashabou, flash back material
or ribbon.
This was developed by Mr.
Lance Egan of Utah. It was made to be
fished on tail water fisheries. At times
I’ve had remarkable success with it on the Farmington River. It works great all year round but I’ve had
most success when sulphers are on the water.
Many fly fishermen have success with it in the winter months.
There are a few things that I
love about this fly. First is the
iridescent pearl body. The red thread
really sheens through the body. It acts
as a beacon that says “eat me” to fish. I’ve
previously fished and had success with other pearl body nymphs such as
“Lightening Bugs”. There’s something
about it that just attracts fish. If
you substitute black holographic
flashabou for the pearl, you’ve got a “Dragon Warrior”. That pattern tied in smaller sizes has also
worked well for me. I also love the
little band of red thread (“hot spot”) behind the bead. Finally, what’s not to like about pheasant
tail fibers for a tail. I almost always
fish this nymph in a two fly rig.
To begin tying this fly,
place your matching bead of choice on the hook.
In keeping with the name of the fly, and based on previous experience, I
use a “rainbow” bead. These beads have
different multi colored hues which reflect light. I think they give a much more natural
presentation and something different that trout can’t recognize. Sometimes that is extremely important on a
tail water like the Farmington where the fishing pressure on the resident fish
is off the charts. At one time “rainbow”
beads were difficult to find and purchase.
They have really caught on with fly fishers and are now readily
available in most fly shops.
Next, lay down and cover the
hook shank with your red thread to form a slender and uniform body. Then tie in 3-4 pheasant tail fibers for
your tail. Now tie in your pearl mylar
tinsel or flashabou. Advance your thread
to just behind the bead. Palmer your
tinsel forward to create the body of the fly.
Tie it off on top of the nymph but do not cut off the tag end. You are going to use it for a wing case after
you dub your thorax. Dub a thorax with
tan sow scud rainbow dubbing. Pull your
mylar wing case over the thorax and tie and cut it off just behind the
bead. Make a few wraps with your red
thread behind the bead. Tie and cut it
off. You can apply some head cement to
the wraps or give the wing case and wraps a coat of U.V. resin or 5 minute
epoxy.
There is a great
instructional video by Tim Camissa on how to tie the Rainbow Warrior below:
If
you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a pattern of the
month I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or e-mail me at pdinice@frontier.com .
