Dry FliesRoyal Wulff

A classic dry fly pattern with a high visibility post, perfect for fishing in fast, turbulent water. Its bright colors and bushy profile make it a great attractor pattern.

Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Royal Wulff - Image source: The Feather Bender
Image source: The Feather Bender

Overview

A Wulff-style variation of the Royal Coachman with a more buoyant build — using calf tail wings, peacock herl body segments, and bushy brown and grizzly hackle. The split tail and upright wing offer great visibility and floatation. A favorite attractor in rough water.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Fall
Imitates: Mayflies
Variant of: Royal Coachman

Materials

Hook: Tiemco 100, sizes #10-#18
Thread: 8/0 or 70 Denier, black
Wing: White calf body hair, cleaned and stacked
Tail: Natural moose body hair
Body: Peacock herl
Hackle: Coachman brown
Head: Black tying thread and head cement
Body accent: Red tying thread and head cement

Fishing Tips

Season

The Royal Wulff is a great choice from late spring through early fall.

Presentation

This fly is typically fished on the surface and can be used to imitate a variety of mayflies.

When to Use

Use this fly when you need a high visibility pattern that can withstand fast, turbulent waters.

Water Type

The Royal Wulff is most effective in moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

This fly can be fished alone, or as a dropper behind a larger dry fly.

Visibility & Floatation

The Royal Wulff is highly visible due to its bright colors and bushy profile. It floats well due to the calf hair and hackle used in its construction.

Additional Videos