OCC (Orange Coachman and Cree) - Steelhead fly

[Smuggler]

I find myself back here pondering about this fly in a size 10 trout hook in fall for October Caddis.. hmm possibilities. You've set the bar with this one buddy.

[DUBBN]

Ray, just the way your pattern is, it would work well (nymphing) here in Colorado when the Giant Stone Nymphs start their migration to shore. In clear or murky water.

[letumgo]

Wayne - Thanks for the vote of confidence. Much appreciated.

I'd be tempted to do a field modification (i.e. - trimming off the hackle on top and bottom) to get more of a stonefly body profile. It's an easy way to adapt a general fly, for a specific purpose. Fran Betters would trim some of his patterns, depending on what the fish were going after.

[William Anderson]

I find myself back here pondering about this fly in a size 10 trout hook in fall for October Caddis.. hmm possibilities. You've set the bar with this one buddy.

Eric, I was thinking the same thing. I was recently reading Borger and Brooks on the size, nature and prevalence of the large stones in the Madison and the Yellowstone rivers. Something like this would be spot on.

Beautiful technique and a nice combination of those hackles.

[DUBBN]

I'd be tempted to do a field modification (i.e. - trimming off the hackle on top and bottom) to get more of a stonefly body profile. It's an easy way to adapt a general fly, for a specific purpose. Fran Betters would trim some of his patterns, depending on what the fish were going after.

You could trim it for fun, but I already know it will work as is. Think of Eric Peper's and the Brooks Stone nymphs. "in the round".

Your "POP" pattern does the same thing. That is why I know this pattern will work.

[letumgo]

Ah. Got it. Thanks.

[novabass]

Ray, this is a beautiful fly and I really like the design plan you have for it.
Very cool!

[DOUGSDEN]

Ray,
I know this sounds crazy with all the foul weather and such in your area esp. early on but, have you had a chance to pass this great pattern in front of the noses of some local steelies? If so, did it work? It is such a beautiful pattern and so well conceived and beautifully constructed! If you never caught a fish with it (and that's not real likely), it will go down in history as one of the great classics in tying history! This one has to work on trout too! My stars, what about bluegill? And bass? And muskies? And....where does it end Ray?
I hope you find this funny and true,
Claud Hopper