Description
The Lady Red is a classic streamer or attractor pattern designed to be fished subsurface. Its key features are the brown body, the white wing, and the striking red tail, which create a high-contrast and very visible profile in the water.
Best Suited For:
This is an excellent multi-species fly, and it's particularly popular for trout (especially brown trout), bass, and pike. The bright colors and profile also make it effective for steelhead and Atlantic salmon.
Best Time to Fish:
This fly can be fished year-round. It's particularly effective in murky or stained water, where the vibrant red tail can attract fish from a distance. It's also a good choice in the spring and fall when fish are aggressive and feeding on baitfish.
Water Type:
This is primarily a freshwater fly, used extensively in rivers, streams, and lakes. However, its baitfish imitation and bright colors could make it a viable option for certain saltwater applications, especially for species that feed on small baitfish.
Where to Fish:
The Lady Red is highly effective in fast-moving rivers and streams when stripped across the current to imitate a swimming baitfish. In lakes and ponds, it's excellent for fishing around drop-offs, submerged structures, and along weed lines where baitfish hide.
Other Value:
Retrieval: The fly can be fished with a variety of retrieves. A fast, erratic strip can imitate a fleeing minnow, while a slower, more deliberate retrieve can mimic a wounded baitfish. Varying your speed and adding short pauses can often be the key to triggering a strike.
Attractor: The combination of colors makes this a classic attractor fly, designed to provoke a territorial or reactionary strike from a fish, even if they aren't actively feeding on specific insects.