Rainbow Warrior
The Rainbow Warrior, developed by Lance Egan for competitive fly fishing, is one of the most effective attractor nymphs of the 21st century. Its iridescent pearl tinsel wing case and hot spot collar create an almost supernatural flash that triggers feeding responses even in the most pressured fish. Works year-round on tailwaters and freestone streams, particularly effective in the top 18 inches of the water column beneath an indicator.
- Type
- nymph (Midge)
- Hook sizes
- #14–20
- Target species
- trout
- Difficulty
- intermediate
- Best seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
Materials
- hook: Nymph or scud hook #14–20
- thread: Red 8/0
- bead: Copper or silver tungsten bead
- tail: Red or copper Coq de Leon fibers
- body: Red thread, smooth
- wingcase: Pearl Mirage Tinsel or Flashabou
Tying steps
- Mount a size 14–20 hook; slide on a copper or silver tungsten bead.
- Start red thread and wrap a smooth base from behind the bead to the bend.
- Tie in a few red or copper Coq de Leon tail fibers at the bend.
- Wind red thread body smoothly from bend to the 2/3 mark.
- Tie in a strip of pearl Mirage Tinsel or pearl Flashabou as the wing case.
- Dub a small hot spot of red or fluorescent orange dubbing just ahead of the body.
- Fold the pearl tinsel over the thorax as a wing case and tie down.
- Build a thread collar with bright red thread against the bead; whip finish and cement.