Midge / EmergersSparkle Wing RS2
The Sparkle Wing RS2 is a variation of Rim Chung's legendary RS2 emerger that adds a subtle flash element to this already effective pattern. This streamlined design features a white fluorofiber tail that suggests a trailing shuck, a slim grey superfine dubbing body, and a wing of pearl mini flat braid that provides flash and visibility while maintaining the pattern's essential minimalist profile. The sparse construction and subdued colors make it highly effective on pressured fish.
Year Round
Beginner
Trout
Dec 2025
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box takes the proven RS2 foundation and enhances it with modern materials. The original RS2 (Rim's Semblance 2) is one of the most effective small fly patterns ever designed, and this sparkle wing version adds just enough flash to catch attention without overdoing it. The pearl mini flat braid wing provides both the visual cue of developing wings that emergers display and a subtle attracting element that can make the difference on selective trout. The pattern remains intentionally sparse - resist the urge to overdress it. The Tiemco 101 hook provides a wide gape relative to its small size, improving hookup ratios on tiny flies. The white fluorofiber tail suggests the trailing shuck of an emerging mayfly while also serving as a subtle visual cue for the angler.
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 101, #18-22
Thread: Veevus 14/0, grey
Tail: Fluorofiber, white
Body: Superfine Dubbing, grey
Wing: Mini Flat Braid, pearl
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Baetis emergers hang suspended in the film with trailing shucks, wings partially unfolded as they transition from nymph to adult. Fish key on this vulnerable stage.
Where Trout Eat It: Trout sip emergers trapped in the surface film throughout runs, in tail-outs, and along seams where ascending nymphs concentrate.
How to Fish It: Fish ungreased for subsurface suspension or apply light floatant for film fishing. Drag-free drifts through feeding lanes are critical.
Best Water: Focus on tail-outs with laminar flow, seams between current speeds, riffle edges where emergers concentrate, and foam lines.
Strike Type: Watch for delicate sips barely dimpling the surface or subtle head rises as fish intercept suspended emergers.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Fish on a 12-15 foot leader tapering to 6X-7X fluorocarbon tippet. Can be fished alone, as part of a two-fly rig with a slightly larger dry fly above, or suspended under an indicator for lakes applications.
Seasonal Timing: Effective year-round, particularly during Baetis (BWO) hatches in and, and midge emergences throughout the year.
Pro Tips: The pearl flat braid wing provides some visibility for the angler, though this remains a challenging fly to track. The sparse design allows it to sit naturally in the surface film like a real emerger.
Entomology
Baetis emergers drift suspended in the surface film with trailing shucks, their wings beginning to unfurl as they transform from nymph to adult. Trout become highly selective on these transitioning insects because they combine vulnerability with abundance during prolific spring and fall Baetis emergences.
- Order
- Ephemeroptera
- Family
- Baetidae
- Common Name
- Baetis
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- emerger