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Rainbow Warrior fly pattern
Pearl body · rainbow thorax · View the pattern reference ↗

FlyFysher

Nymph / Pattern notes

Rainbow Warrior

Pearl flash and a red head make a bright, compact attractor nymph.

At the vise
Beginner friendly
Common sizes
#12–22
From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 illustrated steps

Work through the numbered steps in order. Use the written materials and proportions as your guide; select an image for a closer look.

  1. Rainbow Warrior, step 1: Bead and tail

    Bead and tail

    Slide on the bead. Start thread behind it, then tie a short pheasant-fiber tail at the bend.

  2. Rainbow Warrior, step 2: Flash body

    Flash body

    Tie pearl flash at the rear. Build a smooth thread taper, wrap flash forward, and secure at the thorax.

  3. Rainbow Warrior, step 3: Thorax

    Thorax

    Fold the remaining flash rearward. Dub a small thorax behind the bead, then pull flash over it as a wingcase.

  4. Rainbow Warrior, step 4: Hot spot

    Hot spot

    Secure and trim the flash. Make a slim red collar, whip finish, and cement the thread.

Beyond the bench

On the water.

Drift below an indicator or as the small fly in a two-fly nymph rig. Adjust bead weight to the current.

Tied by independent makers

Find your Rainbow Warrior.

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Have this pattern tied for your water.

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Recipe references

Materials and tying methods may vary between versions. Compare the sources below for this dressing.

Portrait reference

Pattern dressings vary; use the written recipe for exact materials and proportions.

Rainbow Warrior - 3 Pack ↗

For the same fly box.

Brassie fly patternBrassieNymph · #14–20Buggy Nymph fly patternBuggy NymphNymph · #12–14Copper John fly patternCopper JohnNymph · #10–20