Rs2 Fly - A "Must Have" Fly!

If you’re a fly fisher in Colorado, you have definitely heard of the Rs2 fly, and you probably have some in your fly box. However, this fly has also gotten super popular all over America (and the world). If you haven’t given the RS2 a try, it gave many anglers an edge they didn’t know they were missing—its effectiveness is hard to overstate. The Rs2 is an awesome mayfly pattern that works most days of the year. It can be sunk as a nymph, fished in the film, or even on the surface as a dry fly. The Rs2, also known as Ray’s Semblance 2 (RS2), was created by Rim Chung, who is a veteran fly angler. The "Ray" in Ray’s Semblance 2 refers to the fly’s namesake, and some anglers simply call the RS2 the "Ray." Since the Rs2’s creation, he has become extremely well-known and respected in the fly fishing community. Rs2’s really excel on technical fisheries where the trout are picky. These are often pressured tailwaters where the trout see lots of anglers. Specifically, the South Platte in Colorado is one of the most pressured rivers I have ever encountered. Trout are still fooled by the Rs2 every day, and it never stops working. This article will cover the Rs2 fly and why it works so well. If you’re new to this fly, it’s definitely worth tying or buying a few. Once you see how well they work, it can level up your fly fishing game.

• The Rs2 Is A Perfect Mayfly
• Many Color Options Of The RS2
• Multiple Ways To Fish The Rs2
• Fooling Picky Trout With The Rs2
• A Guides Favorite

The RS2: A Perfect Mayfly and Its Origins

The RS2 fly, short for Ray’s Semblance 2, is a legendary pattern in the world of fly fishing, and its story begins with Rim Chung. As a well-known member of the fly-tying community, Chung designed the RS2 to be a simple yet deadly imitation of a small mayfly. The genius of the RS2 lies in its ability to fool even the most selective trout, especially when they are keying in on emergers in the surface film. Its minimalist design—just a slim body, split tails, and a subtle wing—makes it an effective pattern for fishing during hatches when trout are feeding just below or in the film. The RS2’s reputation has only grown thanks to anglers like Charlie Craven, who have shared tying techniques and fishing tips through video tutorials, making the pattern accessible to fly fishers everywhere. Whether you’re fishing a technical tailwater or a freestone stream, the RS2’s small, simple profile is often the key to success when trout are being picky.

Understanding the RS2 Fly

What sets the RS2 apart is its versatility and the clever way it imitates a mayfly at different stages. This fly can be fished as a nymph, an emerger, or even as a dry, making it a go-to pattern for a variety of fishing situations. The RS2’s signature split tail is more than just a detail—it’s a trick that gives the fly a lifelike action in the water, helping it stand out to trout. To split the tails nicely, a piece of thread is tied off the back of the fly, then the tails are added, and the thread is brought up and tied down to create that perfect split. This method, popularized by Charlie Craven, ensures the tails splay just right, mimicking the natural movement of an emerging mayfly. The RS2 can be tied in a range of sizes and colors, making it an effective pattern for different species and conditions. Whether you’re targeting trout during a Baetis hatch or fishing for other species that key in on small emergers, the RS2’s action and profile make it a reliable choice.

The Rs2 Is A Perfect Mayfly

With the split tails, thin body, and small wings, the Rs2 is a perfect mayfly imitation. It is most often used to imitate Baetis (Blue Winged Olive) nymphs, but it can be used for other mayflies as well. The RS2 is also highly effective as a midge imitation, especially in smaller sizes. In black variations, it can work really well as a Trico emerger. Tying a 'cripple' version of the RS2 can help imitate struggling or emerging insects, making it even more enticing to selective trout. Most of the time, microfibers are used for the tails. These are translucent and shine really well in the water. The Rs2 is usually tied with longer tails, which imitate an emerging mayfly. Alternatively, CDC can be used for the wing or tail to enhance the fly's realism and effectiveness, providing a lifelike profile that can outperform synthetic materials in certain conditions.

Many Color Options Of The RS2

There are many options for colors on this fly. The most common ones are black, olive, and grey (dun). Having these three colors will get anglers by in lots of situations. I like to have an assortment of these colors in different sizes – #18, #20, #22. You can certainly go smaller (#24's and #26's), but there is rarely a reason to unless the trout are being super picky. Since the body of the Rs2 is just dubbing, it is easy to play around with colors for quite cheap. Trying different olives and greys can be a good way to experiment. Sometimes trout will key in on a certain olive hue or grey hue, especially on tailwaters. A popular variation is the sparkle wing Rs2. These utilize flash braid for the wing, which can work quite well in dirty water. With flash braid, trout will see the fly more easily, which can be a huge plus. However, in low and clear water, trout can shy away from the sparkle wing as it doesn't look very realistic. For this reason, sparkle wing Rs2's can be good and bad, depending on river conditions.

Choosing the Right Materials for the RS2

When tying the RS2, the materials you choose can make all the difference in how the fly performs on the water. Rim Chung, the originator of the RS2, always emphasized simplicity and quality—two factors that help this pattern fool even the most selective trout. For the tails, many experienced tiers opt for moose body hair or Darlon, as these materials split nicely and create a lifelike action in the surface film. The right thread is also key: a fine, strong thread allows you to wrap smoothly and tie a slim, realistic body without bulk. A well-known member of the fly tying community, Charlie Craven, has popularized a simple trick for splitting the tails perfectly. By tying in a piece of thread at the back of the fly, then adding your tail fibers, you can lift the thread and tie it down to split the tails just right. This technique not only gives your RS2 a more natural look, but also helps it ride in the film as an effective emerger pattern. Keeping the pattern sparse and using quality materials ensures your fly has the subtle action that triggers strikes from wary trout. Whether you’re tying for a tough hatch or just want a reliable pattern in your box, paying attention to these material choices and tying tricks will help your RS2 work its magic on the water.

Tying the RS2 Fly: Step-by-Step Guide

Tying the RS2 is straightforward, making it a favorite for both new and experienced tiers. Start by securing your hook in the vise and attaching your thread, leaving a small tag end at the back. This tag end will help you split the tails later. Next, tie in a small bunch of microfibers or similar material for the tails, making sure to leave enough length to split them. Lift the tag end of the thread and bring it between the tails, then tie it down to split the tails nicely. Wrap the thread forward to form a slim, tapered body, then add a small piece of dubbing to create the thorax. Finish by tying in a sparse wing, if desired, and whip finish the thread. Trim any excess material, and your RS2 is ready to fish. This simple process allows you to tie RS2s in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can match the mayflies present in your local water. With just a few materials and a little practice, you’ll have a box full of small, effective flies that trout can’t resist.

Multiple Ways To Fish The Rs2

There are three main ways to fish this fly. First, you can fish it as a nymph with some splitshot. Drowning the Rs2 is very productive, and most of the time, this is how I fish it. I will even tie some of my Rs2s with a bead head for this reason. A subsurface R-S2 is a very effective way to fish tailwaters and freestone rivers. Adjusting your leader length and size is important here to optimize the fly's presentation and sinking behavior. Second, you can fish the Rs2 in the surface film. No splitshot or weight is used, just dead drift it in the surface film. This can be extremely effective when there’s a hatch occurring, and will put lots of trout in the net. Since it can be hard to detect a take with this method, I will trail the Rs2 off a bigger dry fly. The bigger the dry works, the better the indicator. Third, you can add floatant to the Rs2 and fish it as a dry fly. This is similar to the surface film method, but the fly will be on top of the water's surface. This can be deadly on pressured rivers where trout are feeding on small flies. It is often the difference between getting skunked and not getting skunked. Fishing the RS2 from a boat can also be a great way to cover more water and enjoy a relaxed, social day with friends while targeting trout. The RS2 has proven effective many times and in a variety of fishing conditions, making it a reliable choice for anglers.

Fooling Picky Trout With The Rs2

In Colorado, we have some tailwaters (dam release rivers) where the trout are very “educated”. They aren’t smart, per se, but they definitely choose what they eat wisely. For this reason, fly anglers have to use flies that are small and realistic. The RS2 is especially effective during the fall, when mayfly hatches are common and trout are more selective. For these tailwater fisheries, anglers must have an assortment of midges and mayflies that fool trout. The Rs2 is right up there with the best tailwater mayflies to use, and it excels in a lot of different situations due to its versatility, even on the pickiest fisheries: Fryingpan River, Taylor River, etc. The Rs2 will catch trout when other flies will simply not work. For these fisheries, anglers are often fishing the smallest Rs2’s possible. Think sizes #22, #24, and even #26. Over time, anglers have learned that mastering specific tying techniques, like splitting the tails, can make the RS2 even more effective in challenging tailwater conditions.

Advanced RS2 Fly Fishing Tactics

Once you’ve mastered the basics, the RS2 opens up a world of advanced fishing tactics that can help you catch even the most selective trout. One proven method is to fish the RS2 as a dropper behind a larger dry fly, letting it drift naturally in the surface film. This setup is especially deadly during a hatch, when trout are keying in on emergers just below the surface. By adjusting the length of your dropper, you can fine-tune how the RS2 rides in the film, matching the behavior of mayflies or midges as they struggle to break through. Another advanced tactic is to fish the RS2 as a nymph, using a weighted leader to get your fly down to where trout are feeding on nymphs and emergers. Varying the size and color of your RS2 lets you imitate different species and match the hatch more precisely—sometimes a small olive version will outfish everything else, while other times a black or grey pattern is the ticket. Don’t overlook the power of fishing the RS2 from a boat, either. Drifting through productive runs gives you access to water that’s tough to reach from shore, and lets you cover more ground during peak hatch times. By experimenting with leader length, fly color, and presentation, you can make the RS2 an even more effective pattern for targeting trout in a variety of conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with the RS2

Even though the RS2 is a simple fly, there are a few common mistakes that can reduce its effectiveness. One issue is tying the fly too dark, which can make it stand out unnaturally in clear water and spook selective trout. Another frequent mistake is not leaving enough room to split the tails nicely—if the tails aren’t split, the fly loses its realistic action and appeal. Using the wrong size or color for the conditions or target species can also make a big difference; always try to match the hatch and water clarity. When tying, pay close attention to the proportions and keep the fly slim and sparse. By avoiding these pitfalls and focusing on the details, you’ll tie RS2s that not only look right but also fish with the kind of action that brings trout to the net.

Troubleshooting Your RS2 Success

If you’re not having luck with the RS2, don’t get discouraged—sometimes a few small tweaks can make all the difference. Start by reviewing the size and color of your fly. Matching the hatch is key, so pay close attention to what’s on the water and adjust your RS2 accordingly. During the fall, trout often get more selective and may only take a smaller, more realistic fly, while in the spring, a slightly larger or brighter RS2 might be more effective. Check your tying as well: a smooth, secure thread wrap and properly split tails can be the difference between a fly that gets ignored and one that gets hammered. If your RS2 isn’t producing, try tying a few in different sizes and colors, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your presentation. Sometimes a subtle change in leader length or drift speed is all it takes. Water clarity and fish behavior can change from day to day, so take the time to review your approach and make adjustments as needed. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll find the right combination that gets trout eating your RS2, no matter the season.

A Guide’s Favorite

The RS2 has earned its place as a guide’s favorite for good reason. Its ability to consistently fool selective trout during tough hatches makes it a must-have in any fly box. Whether you’re fishing technical tailwaters or freestone streams, the RS2’s small profile and subtle action in the water make it a reliable pattern for those days when luck seems to be running out. Guides love the RS2 because it works in a variety of situations—fished solo, as part of a nymph rig, or trailed behind a larger fly. Rim Chung’s creation has become a staple thanks to its simple design and proven results, and it’s a pattern that guides trust to put fish in the net, time after time. If you’re looking to improve your success on the water, adding a few RS2s to your arsenal is a simple step that can make all the difference on those challenging trout days.

Conclusion: Mastering the RS2 for Every Angler

The RS2 is a simple yet incredibly effective fly pattern that deserves a spot in every angler’s box. By following the lead of innovators like Rim Chung and Charlie Craven, and focusing on the right materials, tying techniques, and fishing tactics, you can make this pattern work for you in almost any situation. Whether you’re fishing for picky trout during a tough hatch or just looking for a reliable fly that works year-round, the RS2 delivers results across species and conditions. Thanks to its versatility and proven track record, the RS2 has become a legendary pattern in the world of fly fishing. Take the time to experiment with different sizes, colors, and presentations, and don’t hesitate to review and refine your approach as you learn. With a little practice and the right know-how, you’ll find that the RS2 is a pattern that works time and time again—helping you catch more fish and enjoy your days on the water to the fullest.

A Guides Favorite

Guides all over the USA utilize the Rs2 on a regular basis. They fool trout very easily and can help clients catch fish. I don't know a single guide without some Rs2's in their guide boxes – some will have a dedicated fly box just for this fly. It is also really easy to tie the Rs2, so guides can stock up without having to buy them. Once you prep your materials, you can whip out several dozen Rs2's relatively quickly. Since it doesn't take long to tie this fly, anglers aren't too concerned when they break them off. Rs2's are easily replaceable.