Caddis Pupa by Smuggler

[tie2fish]

As often happens when tiers gather, some flies were exchanged on Monday when William, Eric and I got together. One that I received practically hollers "Fish on!", especially if there happen to be some medium sized caddis popping within casting distance. Having secured the originator's permission, I would like to share it with you. I'm certain that Eric will be happy to answer any questions ...

[swellcat]

That looks pretty serious.

[letumgo]

My first question to Eric: Have you finished tying a dozen for me yet? (kidding/humor)

Okay, here is a serious question for Eric. Could you please post the recipe for this pattern?

That is one buggy looking caddis pupa, and one which should fish extremely well. I am reminded of Jim's Triple Threat Caddis pattern. Another fish slayer.

I am glad to hear you guys got together. Good company...

Thanks for sharing this with us Bill.

[Smuggler]

Thanks Bill!

Recipe is as follows;
Hook - FM Czech Nymph
Bead - 2.3mm Blk Nickel
Abdomen/Thorax- SLF natural squirrel
Ribbing - Fine gold wire, well segmented
Underwing - EP trigger point in Lemon
Overwing - Synthetic raffia in Tan
Legs - Partridge
Antenna - Two cock pheasant tail fibers.
Dab of UV resin to hold the PT fibers back.

[DOUGSDEN]

Eric,
Scruffy, rough, nasty looking (not really) but, oh, so beautiful! You are indeed a most talented tyer! I haven't fished with you....yet! From what I've heard, you are a leader in that department too! The total package! Look out trouts everywhere!
Bill, thanks for bringing this photo to us! It's most excellent in quality and composition as always!
Doug

[Smuggler]

Who told you that?! Surely they must've been mistsken!

[William Anderson]

Bill, this looks every bit as effective as a macro shot as it does in the hand. Nicely shot and beautifully tied.

Well done, Eric.

It was so good to see you boys.

w

[DOUGSDEN]

Eric,
Totally awesome pattern! I can imagine the sub-title of this one as "The Rake"! There is no way that any respectable and caddis chasing trout could stay off of this one!
You give us inspiration thru your imagination and perspiration!
Bill, your photography is top notch as always! Keep up the good work dynamic duo!
DensDoug

[Smuggler]

Eric, excellent!!

I am always torn between tying caddis pupa imitations with roughed out fur abdomens (hare's ear, squirrel, etc. ) versus the LaFontaine style pupa. I know those hair fibers sticking out of the rough out abdomen will grab air bubbles just as well as using a cloak of antron over the body. Both are effective during caddisfly emergence. I would bet Letumgo could show us photos of both pupa styles underwater.



Side note to Eric: The pattern above was tied on a Fulling Mills hook.

John,

I can relate to what you're saying. LaFontaine's Sparkle Pupa was one of the first patterns I learned how to tie. When I finally managed to get the technique down on how to tie it, it fished amazingly well. I don't know why but, it seems every angler goes through a stage where they stray from patterns that do well for them to something else. I think it's because they want to challenge themselves on new tying techniques... at least that's what I think.

This is a good looking fly, I hope you're pleased with the Fulling Mill hook. They're made quite well. In fact, it's one of the only hooks I use now and that's not because I work for the company. I truly believe in the quality of the product.