Paul's February Bonus 2021 Fly of the Month

Paul's Caddis Larva Emerger

Hook:  Tiemco 2487 Curved Scud Hook. Size #16

Thread:  Olive, Black, or Brown 6/0 Thread.

Bead:  Black Tungsten Bead 2.5 mm 3/32.

Body:  Olive, Chartreuse, Black, & Brown Micro-Chenille.

Thorax: Ice Dub to match body color.

Hackle:  Starling or small Black Hen Hackle. 

This fly has been a great producer for me.  There are many variations of it but here’s the pattern I use.  Thanks to CFFA President Gary Steinmiller for reminding me how effective these patterns can be.  Although the micro-chenille appears a little stiff, it does provide movement as it is not bound down to the hook shank. Also, despite being tied on a Size #16 emerger hook, the scale of the fly is much smaller than patterns normally tied on a Size #16 hook. Although it can be tied in larger and smaller sizes, this is the size I fish. 

Begin by de-barbing the hook.  Place your bead on it and insert into your vice. Start your thread behind the bead and wrap approximately 2 bead lengths down the hook.  Prepare your Micro-Chenille by heating the end in a flame. Please note that you have to use a Micro-Chenille that is very dense and does not have a cotton thread core.  The thread core Chenille won’t melt and will only burn.  You want to melt the end to create a tapered body.  The melted end is the rear of the fly.  Tie in your Chenille behind your bead.  The body length should be approximately 2 hook shank lengths.  Next, dub a little Ice Dub (matching body color), to create your thorax.  Behind the bead tie in your Starling/Hen hackle.  Take two (2) wraps of your hackle and tie it off.  Whip finish your fly, apply head cement to your wraps and you’re done.  

If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of the Month I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or at pdinice@frontier.com .