RS2
Rim Chung's minimalist masterpiece for selective trout.
The RS2 (Rim's Semblance 2) is a devastatingly simple emerger pattern that hangs in the surface film imitating a mayfly struggling to shed its shuck. The CDC or poly yarn wing tuft and sparse beaver fur body create a delicate silhouette that fools the most selective tailwater trout.
History & Lore
Rim Chung developed the RS2 in the 1970s for the demanding tailwater trout of Colorado's South Platte River. The name stands for 'Rim's Semblance, version 2.' Its sparse design was revolutionary — proving that less material often catches more fish on pressured water.
Variations
CDC RS2
CDC wing tuft for maximum floatation in the film.
Foam Post RS2
Closed-cell foam post for visibility.
Beadhead RS2
Tiny glass bead for fishing just under the surface.
How to Fish It
Fish the RS2 unweighted in the surface film, either as a standalone or trailing 18 inches behind a visible dry fly. On tailwaters, it is deadly during BWO and midge emergence. Watch for subtle sipping rises and present with a drag-free drift.
When to Use
During BWO hatches, midge emergence, and any time trout are rising to tiny insects in the film. Essential on tailwaters and spring creeks.
Materials
- Hook
- TMC 2488, #18-24
- Thread
- Uni 8/0, gray or olive
- Tail
- Dun hackle fibers, 2-3 strands
- Body
- Beaver belly dubbing, sparse
- Wing
- CDC puff or poly yarn
Tying Video
Tying Steps
Start thread and wrap to the bend. Tie in two or three dun hackle fibers as a split tail.
💡 The tail should be sparse — literally 2-3 fibers.
Dub the finest wisp of beaver belly fur and form a slim body to 70% of the shank.
💡 Less dubbing is more. You should see thread through the dubbing.
Tie in a small tuft of CDC feather or poly yarn on top of the shank as a wing.
💡 The wing should be short — just past the eye, to suggest an emerging wing.
Dub a slightly fuller thorax around the wing base.
💡 The thorax gives the fly its silhouette in the film.
Whip finish and trim any stray fibers. Keep it sparse.
💡 Resist the urge to add material. Minimalism is the key to the RS2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size RS2 should I use?
The RS2 is most commonly tied in sizes 18–24. During BWO hatches, midge emergence, and any time trout are rising to tiny insects in the film. Essential on tailwaters and spring creeks.
What does a RS2 imitate?
The RS2 primarily imitates BWO emergers, midge emergers, mayfly emergers. Fish the RS2 unweighted in the surface film, either as a standalone or trailing 18 inches behind a visible dry fly. On tailwaters, it is deadly during
What materials do I need to tie a RS2?
Key materials include: Hook, Thread, Tail, Body, Wing. Tie in a micro-tail of hackle fibers, dub a wispy beaver body, and tie a small CDC or poly yarn wing
How do you fish a RS2?
Fish the RS2 unweighted in the surface film, either as a standalone or trailing 18 inches behind a visible dry fly. On tailwaters, it is deadly during BWO and midge emergence. Watch for subtle sipping rises and present with a drag-free drift.
Pattern Details
- Category
- Emergers
- Sizes
- 18–24
- Colors
- Gray, Olive, Black
- Weight
- None, Small glass bead
- Hook Styles
- Scud/midge hook, Standard dry fly
- Imitates
- BWO emergers, midge emergers, mayfly emergers
- Water Types
- tailwater, spring creek
- Origin
- Rim Chung, 1970s
Target Species
Pattern Details
- Category
- Emergers
- Sizes
- 18–24
- Colors
- Gray, Olive, Black
- Weight
- None, Small glass bead
- Hook Styles
- Scud/midge hook, Standard dry fly
- Imitates
- BWO emergers, midge emergers, mayfly emergers
- Water Types
- tailwater, spring creek
- Origin
- Rim Chung, 1970s