A soft hackle variant of our popular Purple Reign pattern, this is one of the first flies we reach for when mayflies, midges, or caddis are hatching. The addition of a CDC and partridge feather collar gives this version of the Purple Reign a buggier appearance and a silhouette that more closely resembles an insect in the pupa phase of its lifecycle. When wet, the feathers form an air bubble, much like the pocket of air that surrounds a bug as it emerges through the water column. 

Although we’ve caught all varieties of trout (and a few other species) with this fly, rainbow trout seem to be especially drawn to it. The Soft Hackle Purple Reign is tied on a jig hook with a black tungsten bead, dark rainbow scud dubbing on the thorax, a tinsel flash body, and pheasant tail fibers.

Our favorite ways to fish it: 

• Since it imitates an emerging insect, we like to place it in the top or middle position on a nymph rig.

• The Soft Hackle Purple Reign is one of our favorite droppers under a dry fly.

Type of Water: Rivers, Creeks, Stillwater, High Alpine Lakes 

Imitates: Mayfly, Midge, Chironomid, Caddis 

Target Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout 

Insect Life Stage: Emerger

Pair it with: The Chimera, H2 Flashback, CDC Stonefly, Funky P, Green Machine, Hot Wire CDC