Egan's Rainbow Warrior

Lance Egan - May, 2015

The Rainbow Warrior was my first commercially available fly pattern, and is still my best seller.
Despite its flashy looks, it works well for selective tailwater Trout, and of course for eager freestone/pocketwater fish too. This pattern is easy to tie and very effective. The Warrior's flashy body and red thread hot spot don't imitate anything in particular, but that is a good thing. Fish can mistake it for many food forms. I find it works well in waterways with sow bugs, scuds, midge pupae, and even as a chironomid imitation in lakes. The bottom line....don't worry about "why" fish eat it. Just be happy they eat it. Tie a few for your nymph box and I'm confident the Rainbow Warrior will be productive enough to keep you tying them 

Material List
  • Hook: TMC 2457 Caddis Pupa, Nymph Hook - 16
  • Thread: UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier - Red
  • Bead: Plummeting Tungsten Beads - Nickel - 3/32" (2.3mm)
  • Tail: Nature's Spirit Ringneck Pheasant Center Tails - Natural
  • Body/Wingcase: Pearl Tinsel - Large
  • Thorax: Wapsi Sow Scud Dubbing - Rainbow
Materials & Alternate Materials Listed Below
UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier
UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier

UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier

$2.49
Plummeting Tungsten Beads - Classic Colors
Plummeting Tungsten Beads - Classic Colors

Plummeting Tungsten Beads - Classic Colors

$7.80
Wapsi Sow Scud Dubbing
Wapsi Sow Scud Dubbing
Wapsi Sow Scud Dubbing
Wapsi Sow Scud Dubbing

Wapsi Sow Scud Dubbing

$2.49
Nature's Spirit Ringneck Pheasant Center Tails
Nature's Spirit Ringneck Pheasant Center Tails

Nature's Spirit Ringneck Pheasant Center Tails

$4.99
Veevus Pearl Tinsel
Veevus Pearl Tinsel

Veevus Pearl Tinsel

$4.49
TMC 2457 Caddis Pupa, Nymph Hook
TMC 2457 Caddis Pupa, Nymph Hook

TMC 2457 Caddis Pupa, Nymph Hook

$11.20