Welcome Back to Tying Tuesday! This week, we join Patrick in the studio as he ties the Glass-Bead Black Variant of the classic Rainbow Warrior. This fly is a real buggy trout tricking snack pack that’s sure to turn heads both in and out of the river!

Why You’ll Love It:

• Must-Tie Pattern: A perfect complement to the regular Rainbow Warrior.

• Enhanced Diversity: The glass bead allows you to hang the fly off a tag, helping it ride higher in the water column.

• Increased Success: Higher placement means better chances to finally “Double Up!”

• Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, this Glass-Bead Black Rainbow Warrior is a fantastic addition to your fly-tying repertoire.

Don’t miss out on this eye-catching and effective fly—tie it this Tuesday and see the difference it makes on your next fishing adventure!

Here are some tips and tricks for fly fishing with attractor patterns like the Rainbow Warrior:

1. Fish Attractor Patterns When Hatches Are Sparse

• Attractor patterns like the Rainbow Warrior work especially well when there are no major hatches going on. If fish aren’t focused on one specific insect, a flashy pattern can provoke a reaction strike purely out of curiosity.

2. Use as a Dropper Fly

• Attractor patterns are perfect for using as a dropper fly in a tandem nymph rig. Attach it to a heavier fly or an indicator dry fly, allowing the attractor to drift naturally deeper. The combination of a natural and an attractor can increase your chances of success.

3. Target Turbid or High Water Conditions

• Flashy attractor patterns work well in off-colored or high water conditions because the extra flash helps fish see them more easily. During runoff or after a rain, try a pattern like the Rainbow Warrior in faster, stained water.

4. Vary Your Retrieve Speed

• When fishing in still water or slow-moving pools, experiment with different retrieval techniques. Try a slow retrieve or hand-twist to give the fly a lifelike action. In faster water, let the fly dead drift, allowing the current to do the work.

5. Use a Strike Indicator

• When fishing nymph-style attractor patterns, consider using a strike indicator to monitor subtle takes. Attractor patterns often get aggressive strikes, but sometimes fish will take them lightly, so the indicator will help you detect those softer bites.

6. Go Small and Flashy in Low Light

• In low-light conditions such as early morning, evening, or cloudy days, a small, flashy attractor can stand out to fish. The Rainbow Warrior’s iridescent body makes it particularly effective at catching light and drawing attention.

7. Experiment with Color Variations

• While the original Rainbow Warrior is flashy with a red or pink collar, experimenting with different color variations can sometimes be the key. Try green, blue, or purple thread bodies for subtle adjustments to suit the water’s mood.

8. Fish It Year-Round

• Attractor patterns like the Rainbow Warrior are incredibly versatile and can be fished throughout the year. During the colder months when insect hatches are minimal, they can be just what you need to spark a bite from sluggish fish.

9. Use Thin Tippet for a Natural Drift

• Thin tippet (5X to 7X) will allow your fly to drift more naturally in the current. This is especially important with attractor patterns since the goal is to present them as naturally as possible to provoke a strike.

10. Cover a Lot of Water

• Fish attractor patterns by moving from spot to spot, especially in faster water. Cast upstream and let the fly drift down naturally with the current, covering multiple runs and riffles. Rainbow Warriors excel at getting attention from fish in different locations.

11. Add Weight or a Split Shot

• If you’re fishing deeper runs or fast-moving water, consider adding weight or a split shot to your line to help get your attractor pattern down to where the fish are feeding. Ensure your fly is drifting close to the bottom, where fish are more likely to take it.

Attractor patterns like the Rainbow Warrior often trigger reaction strikes, making them a great option when fish are not feeding heavily. Keep experimenting with techniques and adjustments to maximize their effectiveness on the water.

Please Note: Part of this content was created using AI tools, reviewed, and edited by our team to ensure accuracy.

Ingredients & Recipe

• Hook: Tiemco 2488H, Size 16
• Bead: Killer Caddis Glass Bead, Peacock, Size Small
• Thread: UNI Fl Orange, 8/0
• Tail: Hareline CDL, Speckled
• Body: Veevus Holographic Tinsel, Black, Size Lg
• Dubbing: Hareline, ICE Dub UV Black

Check out some of our favorite Fly Tying Gear:

• Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
• Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
• Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
• Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
• Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit

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