RS2 Fly

Designed by Rim Chung to fool selective trout on the South Platte River, this pattern has become a foundational fly for anglers targeting pressure-sensitive fish on tailwaters worldwide. The RS2 functions exceptionally well as a Baetis or midge emerger, mimicking the specific profile of an insect struggling to break through the surface tension or drifting helplessly in the current. Its minimalist silhouette purposefully lacks distinct legs, relying instead on a slender body and a prominent wing bud to trigger strikes during technical hatches where fish reject bulkier or flashier presentations.

Key Features

• Imitates emerging mayflies and midges with a realistic, low-profile silhouette
• Features a split tail typically made from Microfibetts or stiff hackle fibers
• Prominent wing pad created from CDC, foam, or webbing simulates an unfolding wing
• Slender, tapered body minimizes water disturbance to fool wary fish
• Versatile design allows for fishing in the surface film or deep in the water column

Why We Like It

We rely on the RS2 because it consistently solves the problem of refusal when trout are keying on small insects trapped in the meniscus. The subtle profile proves far more effective than standard nymphs during intense Baetis hatches, especially on flat, clear water where fish scrutinize every drift. Its ability to serve double duty makes it indispensable; you can rig it as a dropper behind a dry fly to target surface feeders or sink it deep to imitate a drifting nymph before the hatch fully begins.

The specific construction of the wing bud is the defining characteristic that separates this fly from generic pheasant tails or thread midges. Whether tied with CDC for buoyancy or webbing for a subsurface presentation, that small tuft of material provides a visual trigger point that convinces wary trout the insect is vulnerable. This pattern excels in the small sizes necessary for winter and spring fishing, allowing anglers to match the hatch with precision during the most challenging conditions.