How to Tie the Euro Rainbow Warrior – Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide
With : White Dog Outdoors
The Rainbow Warrior is a high-visibility Euro nymph pattern that excels in fast pocket water, off-color conditions, and when targeting stocked trout—thanks to its flashy profile and subtle hot spot
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Load the Hook and Bead
Use a size 14 jig-style hook.
Slide on a 1/8" tungsten rainbow bead. For deeper water or faster current, go heavier with a 5/32" bead.
Step 2: Add Lead Wire
Wrap 0.015 lead wire from the hook bend to about 3/4 of the way up.
Double back the wraps near the bead to create a thicker front.
Break off the wire and press the front end into the bead to secure it.
Step 3: Start the Thread Base
Attach red 70 denier Ultra Thread behind the lead wraps.
Build a smooth, tapered thread body by wrapping from the back to the front.
Fully cover the lead wire so no metal shows through (the next material is semi-translucent).
Step 4: Tie in the Tail
Use 3–4 pheasant tail fibers.
Measure them to about half the length of the hook shank.
Tie them in securely and snip the excess.
Step 5: Tie in the Body Material
Use a strip of pearl tinsel or similar flashy, translucent synthetic material.
Tie it in at the base of the tail and wrap your thread forward.
Wrap the body material forward in slightly overlapping turns to create a smooth, shiny body.
Tie off and trim the excess.
Step 6: Add the Thorax
Use a small pinch of Rainbow Sow-Scud dubbing (Wapsi brand or similar).
Dub it onto the thread and create a small thorax behind the bead.
Step 7: Create the Hot Spot
Make a few additional tight wraps with your red thread to build a subtle hot spot collar just behind the bead.
Step 8: Whip Finish and Secure
Do a 4–5 turn whip finish to secure the thread.
Optionally, add a drop of head cement for extra durability.
Materials List
Hook: Size 14 jig-style nymph hook
Bead: 1/8" tungsten rainbow bead (use 5/32" for heavier versions)
Lead Wire: 0.015 lead wire
Thread: Red Ultra Thread 70 denier
Tail: 3–4 pheasant tail fibers
Body: Pearl tinsel or translucent flashy body material
Thorax: Rainbow Sow-Scud dubbing (Wapsi brand recommended)
Tools: Whip finisher, dubbing wax (optional), scissors, bobbin, bodkin
