Caddis Pupa - in 10 easy steps

Naslov: Caddis Pupa - in 10 easy steps Pon 19 Jul 2010, 00:21

Caddis Pupa

Step 1: The Hook

I am using Skalka Pupa hook in #12, but any pupa (lighty curved) hook will do. Size 12 seems to fit most closely the Caddises
in my neigbourhood, but as there are myriads Caddis species around it may be necessary to adjust by moving up or down in size.

Step 2: Thread & Weight

Using weight on your pupa flies is controversial topic, with some tiers strongly against. I go the middle ground, with just about
two turns of flat lead by the hook bend. The little weight will help the fly to break through the surface film and attain the proper
"rising" position heads up, bottom down. For thread I am using 8/0 UNI in color Tan.

Step 3: Abdomen Cover & Ribbing

Caddis pupae have distinct dark stripe on top of their abdomen. I consider it to be an important feature of the natural and imitate it
with a slip of motley Turkey feather ribbed with yellowish thread. I believe it to be more pleasing to the eye of tyer to attach the ribbing
to bottom of the fly, so the ribbing starts from bottom. The fish don't seem to care.

Step 4: The abdomen

Trim the Turkey feather slip and dub abdomen in color of your local Caddis flies. I am using a mix of Golden Olive Hare dubbing and
Hot Green SLF. Apple Green, Tan and even Rusty Orange are also valid dubbing colors.

Step 5: The Dark Stripe

Fold over the Turkey slip to acheive the distinct dark stripe on top of the fly.

Step 6: The Rib

Trim the excess Turkey. Wind the ribbing thread in about 5 even turns, securing the Turkey in place.

Step 7: Wing buds

The wing buds are optional, but I believe they improve the look of a pupa. I am using Pheasant primaries, lightly imbued with a flexament.

Step 8: Thorax

Trim the waste end of the Pheasant feathers, secure them tightly and dub over with scruffy Hare dubbing.
The longer hairs you use and the scruffier you tie them the livelier your fly will seem.

Step 9: Antennae

I like my Caddis Pupae to sport some good sized antennae made of Badger hair.
Not all Caddises have them as pronounced as my imitation, so you have to adjust to your local conditions.

Step 10: Finish

Trim the waste ends of Badger hairs and dub some more Hare to finish off the head. Tie off your thread, covering the knot in dubbing.
Take a step back and enjoy!

Cheers!