{
  "url": "https://theflybench.com/patterns/dark-lord",
  "id": "cm8v25j09007kusxbvx0l9ghf",
  "title": "Dark Lord",
  "slug": "dark-lord",
  "description": "The Dark Lord is a unique and versatile fly that is effective for targeting trout in a variety of water types. This pattern is characterized by its dark body and flash of red, which can provoke aggressive strikes from fish. It's a great pattern to have in your box for those tough days on the water when nothing else is working.",
  "imitates": "Mayflies",
  "patternCategory": "nymph",
  "difficulty": "Advanced",
  "targetSpecies": "Trout",
  "waterTypes": [
    "Stillwater",
    "Moving Water"
  ],
  "seasons": [
    "Year Round"
  ],
  "materials": "**Hook**: Tiemco 3761, size #12–#16\n**Bead**: Tungsten Bead, Gold\n**Thread**: UTC 70 denier, Black\n**Tail**: Brown Turkey or Goose Biots\n**Body**: Black Stone SLF Dubbing\n**Ribbing**: Red wire\n**Wing**: Goose Biots, Ginger\n**Legs**: Natural India Hen Back",
  "images": [
    {
      "url": "/images/patterns/nymph/dark-lord.webp",
      "source": "The Fly Bench"
    }
  ],
  "videos": [
    {
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZz2LVCmwTo",
      "label": "InTheRiffle"
    }
  ],
  "createdAt": "2025-03-29T22:20:16.301Z",
  "updatedAt": "2025-04-01T14:50:42.786Z",
  "variantOf": "",
  "regions": [
    "Rocky Mountain"
  ],
  "waters": [],
  "tags": [
    "dead-drift",
    "indicator-nymph",
    "baetis-hatch",
    "searching-pattern",
    "high-water"
  ],
  "essential": false,
  "tier": "",
  "entomology": {
    "order": "Ephemeroptera",
    "family": "",
    "commonName": "Mayfly",
    "organismType": "insect",
    "lifeStage": "general",
    "behavior": "Dark-bodied mayfly nymphs inhabit shaded undercut banks and woody debris accumulations, exhibiting nocturnal behavioral drift patterns where they feed most actively during low-light periods. Daytime disturbance or rising water levels push these nymphs into uncharacteristic drift during daylight, making them vulnerable. Fish feeding in pocket water and along structure encounter these nymphs during transitional light periods at dawn and dusk, when behavioral drift peaks and the distinctive dark profile becomes visible against lighter substrate backgrounds."
  },
  "relatedPatterns": [
    {
      "slug": "bird-s-nest",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "possie-bugger",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "the-crack-back-aero-pmd",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "no-see-um",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "skinny-nelson",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "profile-spinner",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "triple-wing-spinner",
      "type": "same-hatch"
    },
    {
      "slug": "blue-wing-olive-quill-nymph",
      "type": "alternative"
    }
  ],
  "behaviorPresentation": "**Natural Behavior**: Dark stonefly nymphs tumble through current after dislodgement from bottom structure, their large bodies creating substantial profiles. The dark coloration stands out against lighter substrate.\n**Where Trout Eat It**: Fish hold near bottom in runs and riffles, intercepting tumbling stonefly nymphs.\n**How to Fish It**: Bounce along bottom with weighted rig, maintaining contact through productive zones. The dark profile attracts attention.\n**Best Water**: Target runs with cobble substrate, riffle edges, and pockets behind structure.\n**Strike Type**: Solid thumps as fish attack the large nymph, or watch the indicator dive sharply.",
  "fishingStrategy": "**Rigging Suggestions**: The Dark Lord can be used as a single nymph setup or as part of a multiple nymph rig. It can also be used in a tandem rig with a dry fly on top. **Seasonal Timing**: The Dark Lord can be used year-round, making it a versatile option to have in your fly box. Use the Dark Lord when other patterns are not producing or when fishing in off-color water. **Pro Tips**: This fly sinks and does not float. The dark body and flash of red make it highly visible in a variety of water conditions.",
  "overview": "The Dark Lord is a rugged nymph tied with dark dubbing (typically black or brown), red wire ribbing, and a peacock thorax for added flash. A soft hackle collar and heavy bead give it both movement and sink rate, making it ideal for deep runs. It's a gritty, buggy tie that's effective year-round."
}