Description
The Royal Coachman is one of the most iconic and enduring attractor dry flies in the history of fly fishing. The pattern evolved from the original Coachman (circa 1830s England), a wet fly tied by Tom Bosworth. The "Royal" version came about in the 1870s when John Haily, a fly tyer in New York, added peacock herl and a red silk band to the body, creating a more striking and durable dry fly. It became immensely popular in American waters, with its vivid coloration and sturdy build making it a favorite for brook trout, especially in the Northeast. Over time, it has also been adapted into wet fly, streamer, and fan-wing variants.
Pro Tip
The Royal Coachman excels in faster-moving streams where its buoyancy and visibility stand out. Use it during hatches of non-descript midges or caddis for an effective attractor pattern.
In tannin-stained or glacially tinted waters, the red floss and peacock body combination offers just enough visibility to act as an excellent prospecting pattern.
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Recipe
Hook: Standard dry fly hook, Tiemco 100 or Daiichi 1180
Thread: 8/0 or 70 denier, black
Tail: Golden pheasant tippet fibers
Body: Peacock herl with red floss band at midsection
Rib: Fine gold wire (optional, for durability)
Wing: White duck quill segments or calf tail, upright and divided
Hackle: Brown (dry fly quality)
Video
From: Savage Flies