Leadwing Coachman
One of the oldest wet flies in American angling tradition, the Leadwing Coachman dates to the 1800s. Its peacock herl body, brown hackle, and dark lead-wing mallard quill imitate any number of emerging nymphs and drowned adults. Swing it down and across on a tight line through riffles, or strip it slowly upstream. When swung through tailouts during a hatch, the soft-hackle materials breathe enticingly and fish find it impossible to refuse.
- Type
- wet fly (Mayfly)
- Hook sizes
- #10–14
- Target species
- trout
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Best seasons
- spring, summer, fall
Materials
- hook: Wet fly hook #10–14
- thread: Black 6/0
- tag: Fine gold tinsel
- body: Peacock herl (3–4 strands)
- hackle: Brown hen hackle, soft and webby
- wing: Leadwing mallard quill section, tied tent style
Tying steps
- Mount a size 10–14 wet fly hook; start black thread.
- Tie in fine gold tinsel as a tag at the bend.
- Twist 3–4 strands of peacock herl together and wind a full body to the 2/3 mark.
- Tie in a soft brown hen hackle; make 2 loose turns and sweep the fibers back.
- Select two matching leadwing mallard quill sections; tie them tent-style over the body.
- Build a small neat head; whip finish and lacquer.
- Apply one thin coat of lacquer to the thread head and let cure; a second coat adds durability.
- Inspect the wing from the side — the matched mallard quill slips should form a tight tent over the body at 45 degrees.
- Dampen the mallard quill wing sections lightly and press both sides together gently to confirm they are matched, seated evenly, and angled at 45 degrees.