The Chimarra caddisfly, also known as the little black sedge, is prevalent throughout the eastern and Midwestern United States, hatching in the spring. In the months leading up to the hatch, fishing a bright yellow or orange imitation of the larva can be very effective. This pattern works great as a dropper off a heavier nymph, especially in late February and March. It’s strange that such a bright larva turns into a black adult, but the world of aquatic insects is full of such mysteries—which is one of the reasons that amateur entomology is so fascinating to anglers.
In this great video from Tightline Productions, Matt Grobert (whom I met for the first time, along with video producers Tim and Joan Flagler, last weekend at the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, New Jersey) ties his version of the Chimarra, which could hardly be simpler. However, Grobert, an author and blogger, shows how even such a simple recipe can result in a very attractive and imitative pattern that will catch plenty of trout. I especially like the way that Grobert really thinks about the easiest and best way to deal with the specific materials, such as how he overwraps the orange thread at the front of the hook, instead of whip-finishing it, which would make for a less clean head.
It was also great to get Tim and Joan’s perspective on what makes a great fly-tying video, as well as to learn a few of their secrets (which I swore never to divulge). I don’t think anyone out there is doing videos of this quality, and we’re glad to feature their work every Wednesday.
Chimarra Caddis Larva
Hook: 2X-short emerger hook (here a Dai-Riki #125), sizes 16-20.
Thread & Underbody: Orange, 6/0 or 140 denier.
Body: Yellow Uni-Flexx.
Head: Brown thread, 6/0.