The Holy Grail pattern can be tied to imitate a host of nymphs and emergers. It’s one of those just-plain-buggy flies that works in a variety of situations, so it pays to carry the pattern in your box. In this great video by Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, Tim explains in great detail how to tie a caddisfly-emerger version of this pattern correctly–especially how to avoid the problem of overcrowding materials behind the hook eye. His ingenious method of securing the bead is especially helpful. Some of his signature tricks are also on display, such as using plunger-style hackle pliers to hold the hook and a magnetic strip on a popsickle stick to pick up tiny beads.
Make sure watch Tim’s videos in full 4K resolution. You’ve never seen fly tying look so good.
Holy Grail Caddis Emerger
Hook: 2X-short emerger hook hook (here, a Dai-Riki #125), size 14.
Bead: Gold, 3/32-inch.
Thread: Red, 8/0 or 70-denier.
Rib: Pearl Flashabou.
Body: Natural hare’s-mask dubbing.
Wingcase: Natural pheasant-tail fibers.
Thorax: Natural hare’s-mask dubbing.
Legs: Hungarian partridge feather.
Adhesive: Head cement.
Tools: Hackle pliers, bodkin.
very good
How about putting a small amount of antron at the tail of the fly so it looks like a trailing shuck?