Sparkle Wing RS2 - Black

The RS2 with a Sparkle Wing — Built for Active Hatches

The Sparkle Wing RS2 in Black takes the legendary RS2 emerger and adds a trailing sparkle wing that imitates the emerging wing case of a hatching Baetis or midge — the critical detail that makes this pattern even more effective during active hatches when trout are keyed on the exact moment of emergence. The sparkle yarn wing creates a subtle flash and silhouette in the film that perfectly matches the natural sheen of a newly hatched dun's wings, triggering strikes from selective fish that might pass on a standard RS2.

The black body adds a high-contrast profile that is especially effective in low-light conditions, overcast days, and on heavily pressured tailwater where trout have seen every pattern in the box. On the Frying Pan, Roaring Fork, and Colorado River, this is the fly to reach for when fish are rising selectively during a Baetis hatch and the standard RS2 isn't getting the same response. Available in four sizes from #16 to #22 to match the full range of Baetis and midge sizes on Colorado's technical tailwaters.

Pattern Details

• Style: Sparkle wing emerger / Baetis and midge pupa imitation
• Color: Black body with sparkle wing
• Sizes available: #16, #18, #20, #22
• Wing: Sparkle yarn — imitates emerging wing case, subtle flash trigger
• Profile: Sparse, minimalist — highly imitative of emerging Baetis and midge
• Imitates Baetis (Blue-Winged Olive) and midge in the moment of emergence
• Effective on the Frying Pan, Roaring Fork, Colorado River, and most Colorado tailwaters
• Works year-round; peak season fall and spring during Baetis hatches

How to Fish It

Fish the Sparkle Wing RS2 in the surface film during Baetis and midge hatches when trout are rising selectively. Trail it behind a dry fly in a dry-dropper rig, or dead-drift it just below the surface under a small indicator. The sparkle wing is most effective during the peak of the hatch when trout are locked onto emerging insects — this is when the extra wing detail makes the difference. The #16 or #18 covers most standard Baetis sizes; drop to the #20 or #22 on the Frying Pan's technical tailwater. Pairs well with a standard RS2 or Zebra Midge as a dropper in a two-fly rig.

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