Egan's Iron Lotus
A thread-bodied, UV-coated Baetis nymph with a subtle red hot-spot.
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Egan's Iron Lotus
Tying Video
About This Pattern
A sleek, fast-sinking mayfly nymph with a white-ribbed olive thread body, peacock thorax, black flashback wingcase, and a small red hot-spot collar. Built to imitate BWO and PMD nymphs.
On the Water
How to Fish It
The white ribbing is the tell — makes the fly look segmented without adding bulk. Olive is the default; tie in grey, black, and brown for species rotation.
When to Use
BWO and PMD nymphing on tailwaters and spring creeks. Euro-nymph point fly.
History & Lore
The Iron Lotus gets its name — as Lance will freely admit — from the 'fabled Iron Lotus' skating move in *Blades of Glory*. His team watched the movie on repeat while tying flies leading up to a National Fly Fishing Championship, and the name stuck. The fly itself is serious business: a slick UV-coated body aids sink rate, subtle white ribbing adds segmentation, and the classic Egan touch — gold bead and red hot spot — gives just enough flash to pique interest. Lance has tested versions with black beads and no hot spot for tailwater purists. Every time, the red-and-gold original wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Egan's Iron Lotus should I use?
The Egan's Iron Lotus is most commonly tied in sizes 14–18. BWO and PMD nymphing on tailwaters and spring creeks. Euro-nymph point fly.
What does a Egan's Iron Lotus imitate?
The Egan's Iron Lotus primarily imitates baetis nymph, pmd nymph, mayfly nymph. The white ribbing is the tell — makes the fly look segmented without adding bulk. Olive is the default; tie in grey, black, and brown for species rota
How do you fish a Egan's Iron Lotus?
The white ribbing is the tell — makes the fly look segmented without adding bulk. Olive is the default; tie in grey, black, and brown for species rotation.
Pattern Details
- Category
- Nymphs
- Sizes
- 14–18
- Hook Styles
- jig hook
- Imitates
- baetis nymph, pmd nymph, mayfly nymph
- Water Types
- tailwater, spring creek
- Origin
- Lance Egan
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catches logged by anglers
Pattern Details
- Category
- Nymphs
- Sizes
- 14–18
- Hook Styles
- jig hook
- Imitates
- baetis nymph, pmd nymph, mayfly nymph
- Water Types
- tailwater, spring creek
- Origin
- Lance Egan