Mystery of the Rainbow Special

The Rainbow Special: A Rube Cross Pattern With a Missing Story I went on quite the search for information regarding one of my favorite ties-one that most tyers seem to forget exists; the Rainbow Special. This fly is a Rube Cross pattern that is mentioned in two of the three books that Cross wrote. I […]

Small but Mighty: Unlocking the Secrets of the Zebra Midge

The Zebra Midge is proof that tiny and simple can still be deadly—especially on technical tailwaters and spring creeks where trout eat midges year-round. This post breaks down the fly’s background, the classic material list, step-by-step tying instructions, and the most effective ways to fish it as a nymph or dropper.

Crowning Glory: An In-Depth Look at the Royal Wulff

A Brief History of the Royal Wulff Although the Royal Wulff is considered a relatively modern pattern (born in the mid-1900s), it’s based on the Royal Coachman lineage—a classic fly dating back to the late 1800s. Credited largely to Lee Wulff, who sought a more durable and floatable version of the Royal Coachman, the Royal […]