Bodkin / Patterns

Emerger Sparkle Caddis

Emerger · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook standard dry-fly hook (TMC 100), 12-18
  • Thread black or brown 8/0 8/0 (70 denier)

Materials

  • Overbody/Shuck Antron sparkle yarn (color to match, e.g. gold/amber/olive) (1 length)
  • Body Matching sparkle-blend dubbing (Antron + fur) (pinch)
  • Wing Natural deer hair (small clump)
  • Head/Thorax Brown Australian possum dubbing (pinch)

How to tie it

  1. At the bend, tie in a bundle of Antron yarn for the sparkle sheath, leaving a short tuft trailing as the shuck.
  2. Dub a plump body forward two-thirds of the shank.
  3. Pull the Antron sheath loosely over the top and sides and tie it down, then pick it out with a bodkin to create a translucent gas-bubble halo around the body. This shimmering sheath is LaFontaine's signature emerging-pupa trigger.
  4. Tie in a sparse down wing of natural deer hair over the body.
  5. Dub a brown possum head/thorax in front of the wing.
  6. Whip finish and cement. Keep everything sparse so light passes through the sheath.

Tying videos

← All fly patterns