The “Calgon” Effect: A Simple Fly That’s Quietly Dominating the Water
In fly fishing, innovation rarely comes from reinventing the wheel. More often, it’s about refinement—taking what already works and distilling it down to its most effective elements. That’s exactly the thinking behind my newest go-to pattern: a deceptively simple fly with a tongue-in-cheek origin story and a serious track record on the stream.
Originally dubbed the “Ancient Chinese Secret,” this emerging pattern—now better known as the Calgon fly—isn’t built on mystery, so much as mastery. It draws from a lineage of proven performers, blending the DNA of the Yong Special, Pat Dorsey’s Mercury series, and Rim Chung’s Plebby into a single, highly efficient design.
At its core, the Calgon fly is a hybrid: the subtle profile and fish-catching instincts of the Andy Kim Yong Special meet the flash-triggering appeal of a Pat Dorsey-style mercury bead. The result is a clean, minimalistic pattern that’s easy to tie and even easier for trout to find irresistible.
There’s also a nod to Rim Chung’s Plebby—a pattern known for its sparse elegance. Like the Plebby, the Calgon incorporates a thread-based tail, paired with a peacock-toned bead and fine wire ribbing. It’s a study in restraint, proving once again that less can be more when it comes to fooling pressured fish.
The materials are straightforward but intentional. Tied with Coats & Clark thread, the Calgon fly comes in a range of productive hues: summer brown, olive, cream, chartreuse, and multiple shades of grey. Lately, medium grey (charcoal) has emerged as the standout—echoing the same tone Andy Kim favors in his Yong JR and consistently producing results across varied conditions.
But perhaps the real secret to the Calgon’s success isn’t just the fly itself—it’s how it’s fished. On the water, it shines brightest as part of a two-fly rig, paired with a Rim Chung RS2. This combination creates a dynamic one-two punch: the Calgon’s subtle flash draws attention, while the RS2 seals the deal with its understated, natural presentation.
The verdict from the stream? This fly flat-out produces. Whether you’re targeting selective trout in technical water or prospecting through deeper runs, the Calgon fly offers a compelling blend of simplicity, versatility, and effectiveness.
No ancient secret required.
I always fish these Calgon flies in a two fly rig, with the other fly being a Rim Chung RS2, in a variety of sizes and colors.
Calgon-Ancient Chinese Secret
Materials needed
- • Hook: Tiemco 101 in sizes 18-24
- • Bead: Mercury clear and silver glass bead, Extra Small
- • Thread: Coats & Clark, Dual Duty Plus, in Summer Brown or
Charcoal (available at any Wal-Mart in the sewing aisle)
Tying instructions
- • Put a Mercury clear extra small bead on the 101 hook.
- • Start wrapping the thread right behind the bead.
- • Make a few wraps toward hook bend and remove tag end of thread.
- Once reaching the bend, twist thread clockwise about 30 spins of the bobbin, to form a single cord rope of the two fibers. Then, wrap thread back evenly all the way to the bead.
- • Build a bit of a thorax as you whip finish.
- • Trim thread and head cement.
Stay tuned for more up and coming flies: iWonder, dilettante, enlightenment, and enigma flies. Just kidding, but those would be catchy fly names wouldn’t they?
