How It’s Tied
Crafted for simplicity and effectiveness, the Diawl Bach fly begins with a short or medium shank hook to achieve its slim profile. The body is meticulously formed using dubbed fur or synthetic fibers, carefully wrapped to create a sleek, tapered shape. To enhance realism, a fine wire or tinsel ribbing adds subtle segmentation, while hackle or pheasant tail fibers form the delicate tail and legs. For added versatility, some tiers incorporate a bead or thorax cover to increase weight or attraction. Despite its straightforward design, this pattern delivers exceptional results on the water.
What It Mimics
Designed to replicate a wide range of small nymphs and aquatic insects, the Diawl Bach excels in clear water conditions. Its slender profile and natural movement make it irresistible to trout and other freshwater species, fooling even the most selective feeders. Whether imitating midge larvae, mayfly nymphs, or other tiny invertebrates, this fly’s versatility ensures consistent success.
Where It’s Used
A true all-rounder, the Diawl Bach thrives in any freshwater environment. Fished as a nymph, it adapts seamlessly to various techniques—whether suspended beneath an indicator or worked with precision using Euronymphing (tight-line) methods. From slow-moving rivers to still lakes, this fly’s subtle yet effective design makes it a must-have in every angler’s fly box.
How It’s Tied:
Crafting the perfect Ant Fly begins with selecting materials that mimic both the look and buoyancy of a real ant. Start with a short-shank hook to achieve a compact profile, then build the body using foam, fur, or dubbed synthetic fibers for lifelike texture. For added realism, create segmentation with thread wraps or contrasting materials, and finish with delicate rubber or synthetic legs. The beauty of this pattern lies in its adaptability—adjust size, color, and materials to match the local insect hatch and maximize effectiveness.
What It Mimics:
The Ant Fly brilliantly replicates ants and other small terrestrial insects that accidentally land on the water’s surface. These tiny morsels are a favorite snack for surface-feeding fish, making this fly a must-have in your tackle box. Its deceptive simplicity triggers aggressive strikes, especially during peak insect activity—think summer afternoons or post-rainfall when ants are swept into the water. Whether you’re targeting trout, panfish, or bass, this pattern capitalizes on fish’s instinct to snack on easy prey.
Where It’s Used:
Versatility is the Ant Fly’s superpower—it shines in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. Focus on areas where terrestrial insects are abundant, like beneath overhanging branches, along grassy banks, or near brushy shorelines. For the best results, cast it delicately and let it drift naturally, or add subtle twitches to imitate a struggling insect. Pair it with a dropper nymph for a deadly combo, and stay alert: strikes can be gentle, requiring a quick, precise hookset to seal the deal.
Pro Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for subtle swirls or quiet sips—the Ant Fly often draws stealthy, heart-stopping takes!
How It’s Tied: A Step-by-Step Guide
The RS2 is crafted on a straight or curved nymph hook, typically ranging from sizes 16 to 24. To create the body, fine dubbing in colors like gray, black, or olive is used, often accented with a delicate wire or thread rib for added segmentation.
Key Features That Make It Stand Out
One of the RS2’s most distinctive traits is its tail, crafted from microfibbets or hackle fibers to perfectly mimic the split tail of a mayfly. The wing, made from Antron or similar synthetic material, can be left long to imitate an emerging insect or trimmed short for a classic nymph profile, as shown in the image above.
A Simple Yet Effective Finish
The fly’s head is kept minimal, formed by the tying thread and secured with a whip finish. A touch of head cement ensures durability, making it ready for countless casts.
What It Perfectly Imitates
Designed to replicate mayflies in their nymph and emerger stages, the RS2’s slender body, split tail, and pronounced wing make it versatile enough to match a wide range of mayfly species, adapting seamlessly to local hatches.
Where and How to Fish It
The RS2 shines in rivers and streams, especially during mayfly hatches. It can be fished solo, paired with other nymphs, or as part of a dry-dropper setup beneath a dry fly, offering endless possibilities for anglers.
How It’s Tied
To create this effective dark nymph pattern, start with a short-shank, heavy-wire hook in sizes 12 to 16. The secret to its realistic, rounded shape lies in a densely dubbed body, typically using olive, brown, or black dubbing. For added movement, rubber legs are often incorporated, enhancing its lifelike appeal.
What It Mimics
Though versatile enough to imitate various aquatic insects, The Turd is specifically designed to replicate stoneflies. Its darker hues—olive, brown, and black—make it an especially convincing match for these bottom-dwelling nymphs, fooling even the wariest trout.
Where It Shines
This fly excels in any waterbody where stoneflies thrive, including lakes, ponds, and fast-flowing rivers. Its effectiveness makes it a go-to choice for anglers targeting bottom-feeding species like trout, grayling, and even carp.
How to Fish It
For best results, fish The Turd near the bottom—either under an indicator or as part of a Euro-nymphing rig. It also performs exceptionally well when paired with other nymph patterns in a multi-fly setup, increasing your chances of a strike. Whether you’re nymphing deep pools or drifting through riffles, this fly delivers consistent action.