Bodkin / Patterns

Ice Pupa

Nymph · Trout · Advanced · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Curved caddis/pupa hook, Tiemco 2457 / 2487, #12-16, #12-16
  • Thread Rust brown (or black) 8/0 / 70 denier

Materials

  • Hook Curved caddis/pupa hook, Tiemco 2457 or 2487, #12-16 (1)
  • Bead (optional) Gold or black brass/tungsten bead (1)
  • Thread Rust brown UTC 70 denier (or black) (-)
  • Abdomen UV Ice Dub. Color to match hatch (olive, tan, amber, or peacock/black) (pinch)
  • Rib Fine copper or gold wire (1 strand)
  • Thorax / legs Hare's Ice Dub or peacock Ice Dub, picked out for legs (pinch)
  • Wing buds (optional) Tan or dark Ice Dub / Antron tuft on each side (few fibers)

How to tie it

  1. If using a bead, slide it to the eye. Start rust brown thread behind the bead and run to the bend.
  2. Tie in a strand of fine copper wire at the bend for the rib.
  3. Dub a slim, slightly translucent abdomen of UV Ice Dub (chosen to match the caddis/chironomid you're imitating) from the bend forward to about the 65% point.
  4. Rib the abdomen with 4-5 evenly spaced open turns of copper wire to segment it and add flash; helicopter off the excess.
  5. Dub a fatter thorax of hare's or peacock Ice Dub from the 65% point to behind the bead.
  6. Optionally tie a small tuft of tan Ice Dub/Antron on each side as emerging wing buds.
  7. Pick out the thorax dubbing underneath to suggest legs, build a small head/collar, whip finish and cement.

Tying videos

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