So, the Royal Coachman—you know, that flashy little fly with the red and green body that looks like it belongs in a Victorian fishing cabinet? Yeah, that one. It’s been around forever, and for good reason. Trout and grayling just can’t seem to ignore the thing, even when they’re being picky. I remember one time on the Madison, nothing was rising, but the second I switched to a Royal Coachman, bam—fish on. It’s like waving a candy wrapper in front of a kid.

Tying it’s half the fun, honestly. You start with a decent hook—nothing too long, maybe a size 10 or 12—and then pile on the bling. The body’s peacock herl (those iridescent feather fibers that catch light like a disco ball) wrapped with this bright red floss. Makes it pop like crazy in the water. Tail’s golden pheasant tippet—fancy name for those little golden fibers you’ve probably seen on a dozen other flies. The wing? White calf tail or duck quill, depending on what’s lying around your tying desk. And the hackle… man, I love this part. Brown or grizzly, wrapped thick so it sits up like a proper collar. Some folks go sparse, but I like mine bushy—gives it that extra wiggle.

Here’s the thing: it doesn’t really imitate anything. No mayfly, no caddis, nothing like that. It’s just… loud. And sometimes, that’s exactly what fish want. Murky water, choppy currents, or one of those days when the trout are being moody and won’t commit to a hatch—that’s when this fly shines.

Works everywhere, too. Small streams, big rivers, even stillwater if you’re patient. I’ve dragged it through lake edges when the fish were sulking near the bottom and still got takes. Not saying it’s magic, but… well, it kinda is.