Drowned Black Caddis

[Hans Weilenmann]

Drowned Black Caddis
Hook: Grip 12804BL #14 (or equivalent)
Thread: Benecchi 12/0, black
Body: Wire, black
Wing: Magpie tail barbs
Hackle: Black


Cheers,
Hans W

[AlanB]

Woohooooooo! I just got a magpie tail. Asked a friend for one twenty odd years ago but it never turned up. Added one to an order last week so now I can tie this one. Timed to perfection Hans.
Cheers,
A.

[ScottP]

Beautiful fly, Hans. We'd have to get by on this side of the pond with something besides magpie, I think, since the our black-billed version is covered under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Black hen feather (or maybe black-dyed pheasant rump) would probably do, although they don't have the same iridescence as the magpie.

Regards,
Scott

[AlanB]

Scott, Do you get Teal ducks? If so the iridescent green feathers from the wing will give a similar effect. Far from the same but you will get the green black effect.
Cheers,
A.

[51BC]

Great looking fly!
I have tied something similar (although not nearly so well done) using the black feathers from the neck ring on a rooster pheasant and the trout would eat especially in the evenings. I was never sure if they took it for a cadis or the little black stoneflies we have in this part of the world.

[oldster]

Hans, I continue to be amazed and inspired by your beautiful flies. Another scource for iriedescent dark green or bronze feathers that I use a lot are body feathers from an Eastern wild turkey.

[Hans Weilenmann]

Another scource for iriedescent dark green or bronze feathers that I use a lot are body feathers from an Eastern wild turkey.

I agree - that is a sterling alternative.

[ScottP]

Dyed black pheasant rump actually does have a metallic sheen (although it may not show well in the pic). At least I won't be tempted to go around scrounging for shed magpie feathers or deal with the ethical and legal ramifications


Regards,
Scott

[Hans Weilenmann]

Scott,

Nice bug

I am discouraging anyone from harvesting illegal feathers. What I know is that Veniard sells packaged legal magpie tales.

The wild turkey option is a good one, as can be seen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9fKff3Kb5o

Cheers,
Hans W

[rainbowchaser]

I think that possession of feathers from protected birds is illegal in the U.S. no matter what the source. There may be no need to protect magpies in Europe and I would have no problem using their feathers if I was there.