Rainbow Warrior BH

One of the Most Effective Midge and Emerger Patterns in Fly Fishing

The Rainbow Warrior BH is a bead head version of the legendary Rainbow Warrior — a pattern developed by Lance Egan that has become one of the most consistently productive midge and emerger imitations in the world. The iridescent pearl body creates a subtle, multi-tonal flash that imitates the translucent sheen of midge pupae and emerging Baetis nymphs in the water column. On the Frying Pan, Roaring Fork, and Colorado River, this fly gets eaten — often when everything else is getting refused.

The bead head version adds weight for faster sinking and a focal point that draws the trout's eye, making it especially effective in deeper runs and faster water where you need the fly to get down quickly. Available in #14, #16, and #20 to cover the full range of midge and small mayfly sizes on Colorado's technical tailwaters and freestone rivers.

Pattern Details

• Style: Bead head midge pupa / emerger imitation
• Body: Iridescent pearl — multi-tonal flash imitating midge and Baetis pupae
• Sizes available: #14, #16, #20
• Bead: Bead head — added weight and visual focal point
• Imitates midge pupae and emerging Baetis nymphs
• Effective on the Frying Pan, Roaring Fork, Colorado River, and most Colorado tailwaters
• Works year-round; especially effective during midge and Baetis hatches

How to Fish It

Dead-drift under an indicator or on a tight line at depth through seams, runs, and the heads of pools where midges and Baetis concentrate. Also works well in the film as a trailing emerger behind a dry fly in a dry-dropper rig. The #14 covers most standard conditions; drop to the #16 or #20 on the Frying Pan's technical tailwater when trout are keyed on the smallest naturals. Pairs well with a Zebra Midge, RS2, or Walt's Worm as a dropper in a two-fly nymph rig.

Available in store at Glenwood Springs Outdoors, 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO.