In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Lance Egan with Fly Fish Food ties another one of his highly productive patterns that has stood the test of time, Egan’s Red Dart.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
With Spring on the horizon, it is encouraging to think of warmer temperatures, actively feeding trout, and longer days. Winter fishing has its perks and can offer some of the most rewarding work of the year, but there truly isn’t anything like when the seasons change and life comes back to the rivers, lakes, and ponds. If you are giddy to get back on the water and get your line tight, you came to the right spot. A nymph that will accomplish that very goal is Egan’s Red Dart, an attractor pattern that will turn heads especially as temperatures rise.
This pattern is attainable to master by tyers of all skill levels. A couple of aspects that may take longer for those closer to novice are hackle and proportions. Take your time to ensure wraps are consistent and that hackle fiber lengths are accurate for keeping that buggy profile. The simplistic body and material list will allow you to tie batches in a short amount of time, which is perfect for heavier nymphs often fished close to the bottom. Egan’s Red Dart will not only be quick to tie on the vise, but also quick to produce on the water when the conditions align!
Depending on the season, you’ll be able to effectively fish this fly in a double nymph or dry dropper rig. One pairing during the summer months that is a personal favorite is dropping this pattern off the back of a Chubby Chernobyl. Whether on small streams or larger rivers, this combination can be very effective for active trout waiting for a meal to drift by. The best patterns in your fly box are those that can be fished in any location, any weather, during any time of year, and Egan’s Red Dart is exactly that.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Hanak H 400 BL Jig Hook – 14
- Bead: Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten Beads – 3.5mm – Gold
- Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread – 12/0 – Red
- Thread Option: 8/0 UNI-Thread Waxed Midge – Red
- Tail: Metz Soft Hackle Feathers – Red
- Abdomen: Ice Dub – Peacock
- Ribbing: Sulky Metallic Tinsel – Opalescent
- Hackle : Whiting Red Label Hen Cape – Brown
- Thorax/Hot Spot: Ice Dub – UV Pink
- Weight (optional): Lead Wire Spool – 0.015
Now you know how to tie Egan’s Red Dart!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.
