The Watten Warrior has long been one of my favourite wet fly patterns—an enduring classic that has consistently delivered results across a range of Scottish lochs. With a reputation that precedes it, there’s rarely a need to alter or update this pattern. Its effectiveness has been proven time and again.
However, as any passionate fly tyer will understand, there's always that creative itch—to tweak, to refine, to see if we can coax even more performance from a trusted design. That curiosity led me to tie a scaled-down, leggy version of the Watten Warrior.
This modified variant retains the essence of the original, but with added movement and a slightly more suggestive silhouette—thanks to the knotted legs and smaller profile. I’m keen to see how it fares compared to the traditional pattern, and whether it will earn a place alongside it in my fly box.
Tying Details – Leggy Watten Warrior
Hook: Fulling Mill 1510 Short Shank Special
Thread: Textreme 8/0 in Red
Tag: #4 Glo-Brite Floss
Body: Fiery Brown SealX Dubbing
Rib: Old Gold Flat Tinsel
Hackle (Collar): Fiery Brown Chinese Cock
Front Hackle: White Hen
Legs: Dyed Claret Knotted Pheasant Tail Fibres
This fly offers plenty of triggers: the vibrant Glo-Brite tag, the natural movement of knotted legs, and the contrasting hackles that create a lifelike pulse in the water. I’m optimistic this little warrior will more than hold its own.
