Friday, September 20, 2013

The Versatile Tied Down Caddis


Years ago, I developed  the Stewart Caddis (originally called the Dark Tied Down Caddis) to suggest the pupae of the Hydropsyche or Spotted Sedge. It’s a simple pattern that fish will take using different types of presentations. All one has to do is get it into the water and let it swing, twitch it or just let it work in the current. All in all, the simplicity of this fly, its versatility, ease of tying and the fact that it can be used almost year around make it an indispensable pattern.  

The type and texture of materials are widely varied. For example, floss, yarn, mohair, Antron, chenille and dubbing material can be used for the body. Common body colors are orange, yellow, off-white, rust, olive and insect green. Although the tail and wing are usually tied with deer hair, moose and elk hair can also be used.  
TIED DOWN ORANGE CADDIS
Materials:
Hook: 3906B Mustad, sizes 14 to 6
Thread: 3/0 black
Tail and Wing: Natural dark deer hair
Body: Orange wool or color of choice
Hackle: Brown palmered


Step 1. Clip out a small bunch of deer hair and tie the tip ends at the shank bend leaving about 1/4 inch extended behind the body. Then pull the forward bunch of deer hair upright and make a few tight wraps right at its base. This keeps the deer hair out of the way. Next, tie in the wool and the hackle



Step 2. Wrap the wool forward tying it off 1/8 inch from the eye. Depending of the hook size, spin 4 to 6 turns of hackle forward to the eye securing it in place.




Step 3. Pull the deer hair down over the body to form the wing case. Pinch it tightly in this position and tie off. Don’t let it cover the sides of the fly.



Step 4. Closely trim off the excess hair and whip finish the head with a slight taper and cement.

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