Royal Coachman

How it's tied

The Royal Coachman is tied using a short or medium shank hook and a combination of materials to create a bright, attractive profile. The body is typically formed from peacock herl and red floss, giving the fly its distinctive colors. The tail is made from golden pheasant tippet fibers, while the wing is typically created from white or cream-colored calf tail or duck quill slips. The hackle, often brown or grizzly, is tied in at the head of the fly and wrapped to create a full, bushy collar. 

What it mimics

The Royal Coachman is considered an attractor pattern, meaning it doesn't directly imitate a specific insect. Instead, its bright colors, bushy hackle, and distinctive appearance are meant to draw attention and provoke strikes from opportunistic fish. It can be thought of as a generalist pattern, great for trying out to see if the fish are feeding from the surface.

Where it's used

The Royal Coachman is particularly effective when fish are not keyed in on specific insects or when fishing in turbulent or discolored water, where the fly's bright colors and bold profile can help it stand out. It's used on all freshwater types, from streams and rivers to lakes and reservoirs.