How to Tie the Royal Coachman | Fly Tying Tutorial

Fly Tying

Jan 16

The Royal Coachman is a classic dry fly that has been a staple in fly fishing for over a century. Known for its striking colors and versatile use, it mimics a variety of aquatic insects, making it a go-to pattern for many anglers. In this guide, from Tuckaseegee Fly Shop Shannon will walk you through the step-by-step process of tying this iconic fly with hackle cut wings, a slight twist on the traditional pattern that adds a bit of flair.

Materials List:

Hook: Size 12 (can be tied in 12, 14, 16, 18)
Thread: Black 8/0 (Veevus or similar)
Wing: White feathers (use feathers from the side that may otherwise be discarded)
Tippet: Golden pheasant tippet (natural)
Body: Peacock herl
Hackle: Furnace-colored hackle (strip the bottom for clean wraps)
Mid-Body Thread: Red Midge body thread (alternative to floss)
Scissors: Fine-point Dr. Slick scissors
Vice: Norvise fly tying system

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Set up the Hook and Thread

Attach the hook to your tying vise.
Start the thread just behind the hook eye, securing a solid thread base down to the bend of the hook.

2. Prepare the Wings

Strip off the webby part of the white feather.
Use fingernail clippers to trim the feather to the desired wing shape. Keep the natural curve of the feather.
Repeat for the second wing to ensure both are symmetrical.
Lay the wings side by side on top of the hook, adjusting them to the desired height. Secure them with loose wraps.

3. Secure the Wings

Once in place, take a few crisscross wraps with the thread around the wings to secure them tightly in place.
Trim any excess feather stems or stray fibers to neaten up the wings.

4. Add the Tail

Take several fibers of golden pheasant tippet and tie them in for the tail material.
Secure them with a few gentle wraps of thread, ensuring they are aligned with the hook shank.

5. Body Construction

Take the peacock herl and tie it in at the back of the fly. Wrap it forward to form the body.
Keep the wraps neat and evenly spaced. Stop just behind the wing.

6. Add the Mid-Body Thread Band

Take the red Midge body thread (or floss, if available) and tie it in over the peacock herl body.
Wrap the red thread around the body a few times to form a band. This will help prevent the peacock from breaking.

7. Finish the Body

After creating the red band, wrap the peacock herl forward to just behind the wings.
Tie off the peacock herl, ensuring the red band is visible.

8. Tie in the Hackle

Select your furnace-colored hackle, strip off the bottom fibers, and tie it in by the stem.
Position the hackle so that the shiny side faces outward.
Begin wrapping the hackle around the body in even, tight wraps, stopping just behind the wings.