The top fly is a Squirrel, Hot Spot SH. This is the pattern I was thinking of submitting in the "Pretty in Pink" swap. It is a good producer for me, but terribly ugly. I had already decided to submit a pretty but unproven pattern into the swap before I had to pull out.
Even I would have been disappointed to receive such a homely pattern in a swap.
The bottom fly is a beaded caddis pupa, with Swiss Straw wings. It is very basic, and simple to tie. I started using it at the end of caddis season last year. This year I got a chance to float the Roaring Fork river . The caddis were active, but the hatch was not spectacular. The pupa did well for me, as it did today.
I think both patterns did well holding up to the toothy attacks by my local Brown Trout.
The pupa pattern before being fished. I have fished this pattern in colors Gray and Brown, and a combination of both. Gold and Silver brass beads are used. This afternoon I tied a version with a chartreuse abdomen and muskrat thorax. I will test it tomorrow or the next day.
