Euro NymphsTactical SOS
The Tactical SOS is a jig hook adaptation of the original SOS pattern, proven effective worldwide. This versatile euro nymph features a striking red wingcase hotspot and buggy squirrel dubbing thorax that triggers strikes from even the pickiest trout. Designed by Spencer at Fly Fish Food, it excels as both a euro nymph and dry-dropper pattern.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
The Tactical SOS has earned its reputation as a last-resort pattern that consistently produces when other flies fail. The name says it all—when you're in trouble, tie on an SOS. The combination of dark body materials with a bright red wingcase creates an effective trigger point. The squirrel dubbing provides natural movement and a buggy profile that trout find irresistible in pressured waters.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Fulling Mill 5045 Jig Force Barbless, size #16 (or Umpqua XC400BL-BN)
Thread: UTC 70 Denier, black
Bead: Fulling Mill Slotted Tungsten, silver, 2.8mm
Tail: Ringneck Pheasant Tail, black (or Spanish Coq De Leon pardo)
Rib: Semperfli Tying Wire, 0.2mm, bright silver
Thorax: Hareline Squirrel Hair Dubbing, black (or Fulling Mill Euro Nymph Body Dub)
Wingcase: Danville's Rayon 4 Strand Floss, red (or 54 Dean Street Ovale Pure Silk Floss)
Legs: Krystal Flash, black
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as a searching pattern. Particularly productive during stonefly and mayfly activity, but the dark coloration works well in any season when trout are keyed on darker nymphs.
Presentation
Fish on a tight line euro rig for maximum sensitivity. Also excellent as a dropper 12-18 inches below a dry fly. The jig hook design helps the pattern ride point-up, reducing snags on the bottom.
When to Use
Deploy when standard patterns aren't producing—hence the name SOS. Works exceptionally well on pressured fish that have seen everything. The red hotspot triggers takes even from wary trout.
Water Type
Excels in all types of moving water including riffles, runs, and pools. The weighted bead gets the fly down quickly in faster currents while the slim profile maintains good contact.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet. Use as point fly in euro rigs or as dropper below dry flies. In deeper water, pair with a heavier anchor fly above.
Visibility & Floatation
The tungsten bead provides quick sink rate. The red wingcase creates a visible trigger point while the dark body blends naturally. The jig hook orientation keeps the point up for better hookups.
