Copper Clad Caddis — Fly Pattern

Fly Patterns
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Copper Clad Caddis By Richard A. Lewis, El Segundo, CA

The “Copper Clad Caddis” is an updated variation
of a case bearing Caddis Larva fly pattern. I was
inspired to create this fly after needing a weighted
Caddis Larva that would closely match the colors of
the Caddis Larva found in the West Fork of the San
Gabriel River. This bountiful stream is located near
Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern
California, USA. I had accompanied my Daughter’s middle
school class on a “Trout Release Day” field trip. During
this outing, I manned a bug seine and sampled the rich
aquatic life of this high mountain stream for the class.
Although there was a diverse population of bugs and worms
in this river, by far the most prevalent insect found
that day was the Green Caddis Larva. Once I discovered
the copper micro beads, this fly pattern was “hatched”.

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Materials for the Copper Clad Caddis

Hook: Mustad 80150BR, Daiichi #1130, #1260, #1170, #1870 etc.- sizes 8-16.

Thread: Larva Lace nylon mono-dark, ultra fine.

Larva body: Gudebrod Pale Olive Floss #BCS20.

Ribbing: Smoke Grey GSP, Micro Tinsel, Glimmer
Thread or thin, contrasting, solid color ribbing of choice.

Legs: Gliss-N-Glo Root Beer (substitute micro thin
rubber strands).

Thorax: Great Plains Dubbing-Natural brown underfur
(substitute other natural underfur dubbing).

Casing: 0.5 MM, Solid Glass Micro Beads - A color mixture
of Copper/Bronze/Gold.

Liquids and Adhesives:

  • Zap-A-Gap CA Super Thin

    • Loon UV Knot Sense

      • Sally Hanson’s Hard As Nails-Clear

        • Penetrating Head Cement

          Alternative coatings:
          Z-Poxy 5-Minute Epoxy, Loon Hard Head-Clear.

          Markers:
          ChartPak Marker-Green, a shade slightly darker
          than coated Floss

          Special Tools/Safety Equipment:

          • Vise: Rotary Tying vise, such as the
            Dyna-King “Barracuda Indexer.” Rotary vices make
            working with polymer coatings a breeze.

            • UV Curing Lamp/UV Flashlight/UV Pocket light

              • Alternative: The Sun (mandates daytime tying
                session)

                • Orange UV Filtering Goggles (UV Light can
                  damage vision)

                  Note: Most of these materials are available
                  from major fly shops. The micro beads are called
                  Glitter Beads, or Mini-Marbles and are available
                  from major craft supply outlets. UV filtering Goggles
                  can be purchased from a safety equipment supplier or
                  your Optometrist.

Instructions for the Copper Clad Caddis:

Originally published September 27, 2004 on Fly Anglers Online by Richard.