Royal Coachman (Wet)
The Royal Coachman wet fly is one of the great attractor patterns in American fly fishing history, with roots going back to the 1880s. Its red floss body band, peacock herl, white duck quill wing, and brown hackle create a fly that catches fish everywhere — trout, brook trout, and landlocked salmon all respond to its bold colors. The wet fly version fished on a swing can out-fish drier versions when fish are deep.
- Type
- wet fly (Mayfly)
- Hook sizes
- #10–14
- Target species
- trout, salmon
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Best seasons
- spring, summer, fall
Materials
- hook: Wet fly hook #10–14
- thread: Black 6/0
- tail: Golden pheasant tippet fibers
- body: Peacock herl, red floss center band, peacock herl
- hackle: Brown hen hackle, 2 turns
- wing: White duck quill, tent style
Tying steps
- Mount a size 10–14 wet fly hook; start black thread at the bend.
- Tie in a short tail of golden pheasant tippet fibers.
- Wind peacock herl for the rear body third; then red floss for the middle band; then more peacock for the front third.
- Reinforce the peacock with fine gold wire wound over.
- Tie in a brown hen hackle; make 2 soft turns.
- Fold two white duck quill sections tent-style as the wing.
- Build a neat head; whip finish and lacquer.
- Apply two coats of lacquer to the thread head and inspect for even wing positioning.