May 2009

RS2

This version of the RS2 fly was introduced to me by local Flippin guide and tyer, Richard Ramsey. Richard developed this presentation from RS2 flies he used as a guide on the San Juan River. There appear to be many versions of the RS2, but they all have two common qualities: small and very effective. The best illustrated resource I have obtained for these flies is Ed Engle’s book “Tying Small Flies.”

HOOK:            TMC 100 or 101 Size 20-26

                        TMC 2488 Size 20-26
(Reduce recipe accordingly)

THREAD:        Rusty Brown Dark Brown

TAIL:               Rust/tan hackle Fibers

WEIGHT:        Leader/tippet only (Tungsten tacky weight) rolled thin

RIB:                 Fine copper silver, amber, black, orange, etc. to compliment body shade.

BODY:            Dry Fly Material/thread

WING CASE:  Larva Lace

THORAX:       Dry fly material

This fly imitates a rising midge to fish and with a small hook it is critical to obtain the correct proportion, color, and presentation. If it seems awkward at first, just hang in there with the above base recipe. The rewards are worth the “tying curve.”

1.         Remove the barb if not a barb-less hook.

2.         Tie in at eye of hook and go one-fourth back then back to eye  and stop.

3.      Cut one inch of “larva lace”, 1/8” wide. Place end of lace top of hook beside eye.          Tie end until compressed around hook. Leave enough room for thorax. Wrap back          of lace several wraps.

4.       Lay scissors flat on hook and snip off lace. Wing case completed.

5.      Continue wrapping hook below hook curve then back give several wraps (behind          hook point)

6.         Tail feathers - strip down and away the stem fuzz. Strip a “pinch” of fibers,        transfer to left hand index and thumb. Align feathers, hold over hook, holding   ends of fibers (3-7) determine length of tail approximately 1/8+ past shank, clip       fibers and tie. I have found it easier to lay the tail on thread, press tail fibers to    side of hook, let the thread pressure center fibers, give it 2-3 turns.

7.         Tie in the ribbing you have selected.

8.         Tie a tapered body to the rear of the lava lace using less material than you think.             Add later. Remember you have control over the taper by material and wrap         pressure of thread and wire. Use thread for taper as well.

9.         A minimum of three wraps of ribbing can be accomplished. Tie off behind lace.

10.       A “small” pinch of dry fly material in front of lace for the head (a thread casing of           dubbing material).

11.       Whip finish twice. I do not use head cement due to the risk of closing the hook eye, plus I have never had a fly unravel after repeated catches during the day.

TYING TIPS
-           Tie one to use, one to lose, and one to give away.
-           The body behind lace is easily tapered with thread which affords wide array of   options.
-           Thread is generally wrapped clockwise at birth. Twists can be minimized by       allowing your bobbin to spin counterclockwise. Leaving the tag end long or initial       wrap and applying flat wraps down tag to is a good method to maintain flat thread        throughout tie.
-           Always build a thorax with dubbing.

FISHING THE RS2
-           Smallest single hole strike indicator possible
-           Tacky weight rolled thin on tippet
-           6 or 7x as hook size warrants
-           Where allowed a double rig TMC 100 and TMC 2488
-           Cast without weight or indicator, single, or double rig.
-           Cast with tacky weight and smallest round indicator to balance a vertical drift.

Tied by Bob Jensen

Click for Printable Recipe