NymphRed Ass Soft Hackle

The Red Ass Soft Hackle is a productive and flashy fly pattern that has proven to be quite effective in attracting trout. The combination of its bright red color and soft hackle design mimics a variety of aquatic insects, making it irresistible to fish.

Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Red Ass Soft Hackle - Image source: AvidMax
Image source: AvidMax

Overview

A traditional wet fly with a red floss or dubbing rear end (the “red ass”), peacock herl thorax, and a soft hackle collar like partridge. Simple and quick to tie, it's great swung or dead drifted for trout in riffles and runs.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Stillwater
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Fall
Imitates: Mayflies
Variant of: Soft Hackle

Materials

Hook: Straight down eye – TMC 100
Thread: 6/0 Red
Body: Peacock Herl
Hackle: Partridge

Fishing Tips

Season

Effective during spring, summer, and fall, especially during mayfly hatches.

Presentation

Present it as a traditional wet fly on a swing, or dead drift it like a nymph.

When to Use

Use when mayflies are active or during a hatch.

Water Type

Works well in both stillwater and moving water bodies.

Rigging Suggestions

Can be used as a dropper off a dry fly, or as a standalone fly in a traditional wet fly swing.

Visibility & Floatation

The bright red color increases visibility, and the bead helps the fly to sink and stay at the right depth.