Even big fish fall for this simple emerger.
As spring progresses into summer, caddisfly hatches become increasingly important on many waters, and emerger patterns are often the key to success. Most anglers are familiar with Gary LaFontaine’s Emergent Sparkle Pupa series, which has been taking trout for decades. The fly shown here is based on that design, but it leaves out some of the sparkle and adds Soft Hackle-style legs/antennae.
As usual, this video from Tightline Productions offers crystal-clear instructions for tying this great pattern. The way Flagler “inflates” the bubble by leaving extra space behind the hook eye is especially cool. The finished fly shares the silhouette of Gary LaFontaine’s pattern, but is quicker and easier to tie.
Caddis Emerger (LaFontaine variant)
Hook: 1X-long dry-fly hook (e.g. Dai-Riki #300), sizes 14-18.
Thread: Olive, 6/0.
Bubble: White New Zealand sheep wool.
Body: brown rabbit fur dubbing.
Hackle: Hungarian partridge.
Thorax/head: Dark brown rabbit fur dubbing.
I tied this fly after the tight lines video first came out. The fly went on to be a top producer for me last year. An excellent fly that I’ll never be without!
is that the standard or shorty rite bobbin?