Bodkin / Patterns

Graphic Caddis

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Curved emerger/pupa hook (TMC 2499 SP-BL), 14-18
  • Thread White (abdomen), Black (thorax) 14/0 and 8/0

Materials

  • Tag Silver holographic tinsel (small, short tag at the bend)
  • Abdomen Micro-tubing over white thread (tan, olive, or chartreuse)
  • Legs Hungarian partridge fibers (6-8 fibers)
  • Head Natural gray ostrich herl (2-3 wraps)

How to tie it

  1. Start the white 14/0 thread behind the eye and wrap a smooth layer back to just past the bend, about a quarter shank length down the curve.
  2. Tie in a short tag of small silver holographic tinsel at the rearmost point. This flash imitates the gas bubble a caddis pupa carries as it rises.
  3. Tie in the micro-tubing at the tag and build a smooth, level underbody of white thread forward to the 75% mark; the white base keeps the translucent tubing bright.
  4. Wrap the micro-tubing forward in touching turns to the 75% mark, keeping each turn snug against the last so the abdomen stays segmented and glossy, then tie off and switch to black 8/0 thread.
  5. Select 6-8 Hungarian partridge fibers and tie them in as a beard under the hook, tips reaching back to about the hook point, to suggest the trailing legs of the swimming pupa.
  6. Tie in 2-3 strands of gray ostrich herl, take 2-3 turns to form a fuzzy head, tie off, and whip finish behind the eye.

Tying videos

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