Bodkin / Patterns

Antonio's Superman Caddis

Dry Fly · Trout · Grayling · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Standard dry fly hook, 12-16
  • Thread Brown, olive or ginger to match body 8/0

Materials

  • Body Dry-fly dubbing, brown/olive/ginger (pinch)
  • Underwing Long thin deer hair or synthetic wing (1 clump)
  • Upper wing/post Hi-vis fluorescent Antron fibers (small bundle)
  • Hackle Grizzly or brown, parachute-wound (1)
  • Cape/hot spot Bright red or orange fibers at head (small bundle)

How to tie it

  1. Start thread and dub a slim caddis body forward to the 60% mark.
  2. Tie in a long, thin down-wing of deer hair or synthetic wing material extending past the bend for the classic caddis tent silhouette.
  3. Erect a parachute post of hi-vis fluorescent Antron and tie in a hackle at its base.
  4. Wind the hackle parachute-style 4-5 turns around the post for a high-floating, stable footprint in turbulent water.
  5. Add a bright red or orange cape/hot spot of fibers at the head, which gives the fly its 'Superman' name and extra visibility.
  6. Whip finish and cement.

Tying videos

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