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Mesilla Valley Flyfishers, Inc.

Las Cruces, New Mexico


Flys & Fly Tying

From the desk of Norm Mabie, MVFF


Troth Elk Hair Caddis (caddis adult)
This dry fly pattern gains in popularity with the passing of each year, not only because of its reputation as a consistent producer of fine catches, but also because of good flotation and visibility on our fast Western streams. The caddis are in great abundance on most streams and lakes throughout the United States, so this fly (including the subsurface versions) are highly recommended for inclusion in the wll-stocked fly box. Although the caddis green color is most predominate in the Southwest, a selection of orange, tan, cream, and medium brown bodies are also recommended.
Materials
Hook Mustad 94849, Sizes 10-16
Thread Brown - Size 6/0
Tail None
Body Caddis Green Dubbing
Rib Brown Neck or Saddle Hackle
Wing Light Elk Hair
Tying Instructions
1. Properly place the hook in the vise and check to ensure that the hook is held securly by the vice jaws.

2. Apply thread midway on hook shank and wrap tightly back to bend of hook. Cut off excess thread.

3. Wrap thread back to midway point of hook, rlease sufficient thread from the bobbin to form a five-inch dubbing loop. Next, wrap thread over base of dubbing loop back to the bend of the hook. Place loop in material holder spring so that it will not interfere with the next step.

4. Tie in a brown "grade one" saddle or neck hackle, butt end first. Cut off excess stem. Wrap thread forward to normal head position.

5. Remove dubbing loop from material spring holder and attach dubbing spinner tool. Sparingly apply special dubbing wax to tread making up the dubbing loop, and apply dubbing material. A common error in forming the dubbing yarrn is to apply too much material, so care must be exercised to ensure that it is applied sparingly. It is not necessary to taper the body on this fly. The dubbing material may be placed evenly on the loop.

6. Spin dubbing tool and loop to form a tightly wound yarn. Be sure to hold the dubbing tool to prevent the yarn from unraveling. Attach hackle pliers to the end of this yarn and clip the thread near the dubbing spinner tool so that it may be removed. Begin wrapping the yarn along the hook shank making one complete wrap behind the hackle at the bend in the hook. Continue wrapping the yarn forward in front of the hackle until the normal head position is reached. Cut off excess yarn after tying off.

Micro Caddis

Diving/Emerger Caddis Beadhead (Wet)

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