Description
The Freight Train, designed by Oregon fly tier Randall Kaufmann, is a classic steelhead fly pattern developed for the Deschutes River, where railroad tracks parallel the waterway for miles. Its vibrant combination of purple and orange materials, along with a white wing, makes it particularly effective in enticing steelhead during bright conditions. The Freight Train's success led Kaufmann to create other railroad-themed patterns, such as the Coal Car, Signal Light, and Flat Car.
Pro Tip
Geological Alignment: Present the fly in areas where basalt rock formations are prominent along the riverbank; the natural minerals may influence water chemistry, subtly affecting steelhead behavior and making them more receptive to this pattern.
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Recipe
Hook: Standard steelhead hook, size 4–6 Thread: Black 6/0 Tail: Purple hackle fibers Rib: Fine oval silver tinsel Body: Rear half fluorescent orange chenille, front half purple chenille Hackle: Purple saddle hackle palmered over the front half Wing: White calf tail or bucktail