Playing around with a Deschutes pattern by John Hazel I saw on Speypages. A few materials substituted here (rib/body) but that’s what happens when you tie at 5:00 AM and the shops don’t open 'till 8. Head’s a bit full on this one; may blade it off and try a sparser look.
hook - Mustad 9671 #6
thread - UTC 140 burnt orange
tail - moose body hair
rib - mylar holo copper
body - dubbing antique gold
wing - grizzly hackle tips
collar/head - elk hair (in dubbing loop)
Quite reminiscent of a Steehead Caddis, Scott, which as you say, usually has a pretty sparse collar/head. Might want to use an traditional up-eye hook if going after adults.
I haven’t tried spinning elk, yet. I have a large supply of caribou, thanks to my wife and a friendly taxidermist. I’ve done a BUNCH of muddlers in smaller sizes, and the caribou worked great.
I have; it’s my favorite hair for tying Goddard Caddis. Caribou’s great to spin/pack but the stuff I have is a bit ratty at the tips; for me, the elk worked better here.