How to Tie the Rainbow Warrior Nymph | Fly Tying Tutorial

From: Trident Fly Fishing

The Rainbow Warrior is a great attractor nymph that catches fish in various sizes, from 14 to 22. This guide from Trident Fly Fishing will take you through the steps to tie it in a size 12, with a curved shank hook and a tungsten bead to help it sink quickly and get into the fishes face.

Rainbow Warrior Nymph Step-by-Step Guide

The Rainbow Warrior is a great attractor nymph that catches fish in various sizes, from 14 to 22. This guide will take you through the steps to tie it in a size 12, with a curved shank hook and a tungsten bead to help it sink quickly.

Materials List:

• Curved shank hook (size 12)

• Tungsten silver bead (nickel or matching size)

• UTC 72 red thread

• Pheasant tail fibers (5-6 fibers)

• Flat mylar tinsel (medium)

• South Scott dubbing (pink or tan)

• Flashback material (optional)

• Head cement

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Attach the Thread:
   Begin by securing your hook in the vise. Place the tungsten bead onto the hook, then start your thread behind the bead and wrap it back along the hook shank.

2. Tie in the Tail:
   Take about 5-6 pheasant tail fibers and measure them to be about the length of the hook shank. Tie them in at the back of the hook, with the fibers extending slightly beyond the hook barb. Trim off any excess fibers.

3. Tie in the Body Material:
   Take a strand of medium flat mylar tinsel. Secure it at the hook’s bend and wrap it forward, overlapping slightly to create a smooth underbody. Tie it off behind the bead.

4. Create the Thorax Dubbing:
   Take your South Scott dubbing (pink or tan) and dub it onto the thread. Form a pronounced thorax right at the hook point and work your way towards the bead, adding a little extra dubbing to fill the thorax area.

5. Add Flashback:
   Lay your flashback material over the thorax and tie it down, securing it with a couple of wraps. Fold it back over the thorax.

6. Form the Hotspot Collar:
   Create a small collar behind the bead with a bit of additional dubbing or thread, giving the fly a colorful hotspot effect.

7. Finish the Fly:
   Trim any excess flashback material and finish the fly by tying off the thread and adding a drop of head cement for durability.