Bodkin / Patterns

Antifreeze Caddis Jig

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Jig nymph, 60-degree (TMC 403BLJ), 14-18
  • Thread Black 8/0

Materials

  • Bead Copper or black slotted tungsten (1)
  • Body Caddis-green (antifreeze) ostrich herl (2-3 strands)
  • Back/rib Clear or olive Scud Back strip (1 strip)
  • Collar Dark ostrich herl or hare's ear (Small pinch)

How to tie it

  1. Slide a slotted tungsten bead onto the jig hook, mount it, and start thread behind the bead.
  2. At the bend, tie in a strip of Scud Back on top and 2-3 bright caddis-green ostrich herls.
  3. Twist the herls into a rope and wrap forward to the 70% mark, packing the turns for a dense, fuzzy body.
  4. Pull the Scud Back strip over the top and rib it forward in 5-6 open, even turns. This forces the herl fibers down like wiggling legs and gives the tight segmentation of a natural; tie off and snip.
  5. Twist a dark ostrich herl (or a pinch of hare's ear) onto the thread and take 2-3 turns for a buggy collar behind the bead.
  6. Build a small thread head, whip finish, and touch the collar with cement.

Tying videos

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