The Pink Lady fly is a versatile and effective pattern that can be adapted to catch a wide variety of fish species. Known for its vibrant colors and simple construction, this fly is especially favored by anglers targeting salmon, steelhead, trout, and even smallmouth bass. The beauty of the Pink Lady fly lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its ability to mimic a range of prey, making it an irresistible target for predatory fish. Whether you’re casting in freshwater streams or along larger river systems, the Pink Lady fly’s bright, fluorescent body and soft marabou wing are designed to trigger aggressive strikes.
While the original Pink Lady pattern is tied using fluorescent pink materials, this fly can be customized to suit different conditions and preferences. From varying color combinations to incorporating different materials like Krystal Flash and Ultra Chenille, the Pink Lady fly offers endless possibilities for creativity and effectiveness. With a simple tie and a few modifications, it becomes a go-to fly for anglers looking to catch fish in a variety of situations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of tying this fly, as well as offer tips on how to fish it and adapt it for different species. Whether you’re a novice fly tyer or an experienced angler, the Pink Lady fly is sure to be a valuable addition to your fly box.
Materials You’ll Need to Tie the Pink Lady Fly: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Tying the Pink Lady fly requires a selection of high-quality materials that not only enhance the fly’s appearance but also ensure it performs effectively in the water. Each component plays a key role in creating a fly that mimics the natural movement of aquatic prey, making it irresistible to predatory fish. Here’s a detailed guide to the materials needed to tie a successful Pink Lady fly, as well as a few optional additions to customize the pattern for your specific needs.
Hook – Mustad SL53UBL or 36890, Sizes 8 to 1
The hook is one of the most crucial elements of the fly. The Mustad SL53UBL or 36890 hooks are perfect for this pattern, offering a wide range of sizes from 8 to 1. These hooks feature a strong, durable design with a slightly longer shank that is ideal for attaching the body materials and securing the fly’s overall shape. Choose the hook size based on the species you’re targeting: smaller hooks (size 8 or 10) for trout and larger hooks (size 4 or 2) for bass or steelhead.
Thread – 6/0 or 3/0, Color to Match Fly
Thread is the foundation upon which you build the entire fly, so choosing the right one is essential for securing materials and providing structure. For the Pink Lady fly, a 6/0 or 3/0 thread in a color that matches the body of the fly—usually a tan, pink, or translucent shade—works best. This thread provides the right balance between strength and manageability, ensuring that the materials stay securely in place without over-bulking the fly. Be sure to use a flat or round thread for even wraps, allowing you to build the fly’s body with precision.
Weighted (Optional) – Thin Lead Wire (0.015″) or Cone Head
Weighting your fly can help it sink faster and maintain its position in the water column, making it ideal for fishing deeper runs or when you need to reach fish at a specific depth. If you want to add weight to your Pink Lady fly, use thin lead wire (0.015″) wrapped along the hook shank or a small cone head to give the fly extra weight. The added weight helps ensure the fly maintains a natural drift and doesn’t float too high in the water, especially in current or windy conditions. This step is optional, but for anglers targeting larger fish or in fast-moving water, it can significantly improve the fly’s effectiveness.
Tail – Pink Krystal Flash
The tail of the Pink Lady fly is created using Pink Krystal Flash, a material that adds subtle shimmer and sparkle in the water. Krystal Flash is known for its ability to reflect light in all directions, simulating the natural movement of baitfish and other aquatic prey. The tail should be tied in at the bend of the hook, ensuring it extends slightly beyond the hook point, providing the fly with a natural, flowing appearance. If you want to add even more sparkle, you can mix in strands of other colors such as white, silver, or purple.
Body – Fluorescent Pink Fine Ultra Chenille
The body of the Pink Lady fly is made from fluorescent pink fine Ultra Chenille. This material gives the fly its signature bright, neon pink coloration that catches the eye of fish, even in murky or low-light conditions. Ultra Chenille is soft, flexible, and easy to work with, allowing you to create a smooth, even body. It also holds its shape well in the water and moves with a lifelike flow when stripped or swung. This fluorescent pink body color makes the fly stand out, attracting fish from a distance and enticing them to strike.
Hackle – Light Pink
The hackle on the Pink Lady fly is tied using light pink feathers, adding both texture and movement to the fly. The soft hackle fibers enhance the fly’s profile, especially in the water, where they create subtle vibrations and lifelike movement. The pink hackle is typically wrapped around the hook in three tight turns, providing just enough flair without overwhelming the fly’s design. The gentle flow of the hackle works in harmony with the body and tail, creating an irresistible attraction for fish.
Wing – Fluorescent Pink Marabou
The wing of the Pink Lady fly is made from fluorescent pink marabou, a soft and feathery material that provides excellent movement in the water. Marabou is known for its ability to undulate naturally with the current, mimicking the action of small baitfish or shrimp. When the fly is retrieved or swung, the marabou wing flares and moves, creating a realistic and dynamic action that draws fish in. The fluorescent pink marabou is bright and vibrant, making it especially effective in murky or low-visibility waters. The wing is tied in on top of the hook, extending slightly beyond the body and providing the fly with a full, balanced profile.
How to Tie the Pink Lady Fly: Step-by-Step Instructions
Tying the Pink Lady fly is a straightforward and enjoyable process, allowing you to create an effective and visually striking pattern. Follow these steps to tie a beautiful and functional Pink Lady fly that will catch the attention of many fish species.
- Prepare the Hook
Start by securing your hook in the vise. For this pattern, we recommend the Mustad SL53UBL or 36890 in sizes 8 to 1, depending on the fish you’re targeting. Once the hook is secured, wrap the thread around the hook shank, starting at the eye and wrapping it back toward the bend, covering the hook shank evenly. - Tie in the Tail
Take a small section of Pink Krystal Flash and tie it in at the rear of the hook, just above the bend. The tail should be relatively short, extending slightly beyond the hook point. Make sure it’s securely tied in to avoid any slipping during casting. - Add the Body
Cut a length of fluorescent pink Fine Ultra Chenille and tie it in at the rear of the hook, just in front of the Krystal Flash tail. Begin wrapping the chenille forward toward the eye of the hook, covering the entire hook shank. Leave enough room at the front of the fly to tie in the hackle and wing later. Make sure the chenille wraps are neat and evenly spaced. - Tie in the Hackle
Select a light pink hackle feather and tie it in just behind the eye of the hook. Make three tight wraps with the hackle around the hook shank. These wraps should be close together to create a nice collar of hackle fibers. Secure the hackle with a few thread wraps and trim off any excess. - Add the Wing
Take a small bunch of fluorescent pink marabou feathers and tie them in on top of the hook, just behind the hackle. The marabou should extend slightly past the body of the fly. Secure the marabou with a few firm wraps of thread, ensuring it sits neatly on top of the hook. - Finish the Fly
Once the marabou wing is securely in place, tie off the thread and trim any excess. Create a neat, conical head just behind the hook eye by building up thread wraps. Make sure the head is firm and clean, and then apply a small amount of head cement to secure the thread and finish the fly.
Specialize Your Pink Lady Fly: Customizing for Success
While the standard Pink Lady fly is highly effective, there are several ways to customize this pattern to suit different conditions and fishing needs. With a few modifications, you can make the Pink Lady even more versatile and appealing to a wide range of fish species.
Adding Weight to the Fly
If you need the Pink Lady to sink more quickly or want to get it deeper into the strike zone, you can add weight to the fly. A common method is to wrap thin lead wire (size .015) around the hook shank, covering the length of the hook. This added weight will allow the fly to sink faster, making it more effective for deeper water or when fishing in fast-moving currents. Alternatively, you can add a small cone head to the fly, which not only adds weight but also enhances the fly’s profile and action.
Choosing the Right Hackle Color
To improve the visibility and overall effectiveness of your Pink Lady fly, consider using a lighter-colored hackle. A lighter hackle allows the fluorescent Ultra Chenille body to show through more clearly, especially once the fly gets wet. This gives the fly a subtle but enhanced visual appeal, attracting fish with its combination of color and movement.
The Pink Lady Fly: Quick, Easy, and Versatile
The Pink Lady fly is a great choice for anglers looking to fill their fly boxes quickly. It’s simple, fast to tie, and highly versatile. You can tie this fly for a variety of species, including salmon, steelhead, trout, and smallmouth bass. In fact, a larger version of the Pink Lady can work wonders for bass, while the standard size is perfect for trout and steelhead. This fly’s simplicity and effectiveness make it an excellent pattern to have on hand for quick, easy fishing.
Experimenting with Color Variations
One of the great advantages of the Pink Lady fly is its flexibility when it comes to color. While the original pink version is a classic, feel free to experiment with other colors to see what works best for your fishing conditions. Some great alternatives include:
- Purple – A striking color that can attract fish, especially in slightly darker or murkier waters.
- Chartreuse – A bright, attention-grabbing option that works well in stained waters or when fish are particularly aggressive.
- Black – A versatile color that performs well in low-light or overcast conditions.
- Yellow – A great option for clearer waters or for species that are accustomed to seeing yellow prey.
You can also create combo colors, mixing pink with purple, chartreuse, or even black to create a unique and irresistible pattern. Experimentation is key because what works today may not be as effective tomorrow. Keeping a variety of color combinations in your fly box will give you the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and increase your chances of success.
How to Fish with the Pink Lady Fly
The beauty of the Pink Lady fly lies in its versatility and adaptability to different fishing techniques. There is no single method that guarantees success with this pattern, so experimenting with various retrieves and presentations is key to finding what works best on any given day.
1. Dead Drift and Swing
One of the simplest yet effective ways to fish the Pink Lady fly is by presenting it like a nymph. Cast the fly upstream and allow it to drift naturally with the current, letting it swing back and forth as it moves through the water. This dead-drift technique mimics an injured or drifting prey, which can trigger strikes from predatory fish looking for an easy meal.
2. Figure Eight Retrieve
For a more dynamic approach, you can use a figure-eight retrieve. This method involves casting the fly out and then retrieving it in smooth, looping motions, similar to the shape of the number 8. By varying the speed of your retrieve, you can simulate the erratic movements of a struggling fish, making it irresistible to predators. You can slow it down or speed it up depending on the mood of the fish and the water conditions.
3. Streamline and Strip
Another popular technique is to fish the Pink Lady fly like a streamer. Cast the fly across the water and then retrieve it using a combination of short, long, and varied-speed strips. Stripping the fly in quick bursts or slow, deliberate pulls mimics the movement of a baitfish or small prey swimming through the water, making it an ideal choice when targeting aggressive fish species. The key is to experiment with your retrieve speed—sometimes, a fast strip will trigger a reaction, while other times a slow, steady retrieve will entice a strike.
4. Experiment and Adapt
The Pink Lady fly is highly adaptable, and part of the fun is experimenting with different retrieves and fishing techniques. The fish’s feeding behavior can change throughout the day, and what works one moment may not be as effective the next. Keep an open mind and be willing to adjust your fishing style depending on the conditions, water temperature, and fish activity.
When all else fails, tie on a Pink Lady fly and let it swing through the water. It’s a proven pattern that can draw strikes when other flies aren’t getting the job done. With its bright color and irresistible movement, it’s hard for fish to ignore.
Fishing the Pink Lady fly offers a variety of approaches to suit different fishing conditions and fish species. Whether you prefer a simple dead drift, a dynamic figure-eight retrieve, or a classic streamer-style strip, this fly’s versatility ensures it will produce results. The next time you’re out on the water and your usual patterns aren’t working, give the Pink Lady a try—it may just be the game-changer you need.
Original Article By Brad Berlin
About The Author
Brad Berlin has been tying flies and fishing many of the local streams in the northeast, especially central Pennsylvania, for over 20 years. He guides on areas streams and the Susquehanna River. Brad teaches classes in fly tying and casting. He enjoys fishing the tributaries of Lake Ontario in the fall.
