Peeking Caddis
The Peeking Caddis, which emulates many kinds of cased caddis like the
Grannom (Brachycentrus),
is a well-known pattern that has been around a long time. Normally this fly
is tied with weight; the dark-colored head is formed by melting the ultra
chenille body with a butane lighter. This variation is unweighted, except
that the head is formed from a 3/32" tungsten bead, which
causes the fly to drift head-down in the water much as the real larvae do. While
I don’t know who originated this version, it was taught by, Ted “Mustang” Relihan,
a local guide, at a workshop I recently attended. It is really easy to tie.
Fish it dead drift when there are caddis larvae drifting in the water.
Materials List:
Hook: TMC 200R or Dai-Riki 270, size 10-16 (to match natural).
Thread: Rusty Dun 8/0.
Body: Insect green or tan vernille or ultra chenille (to match natural).
Head: 3/32" Black tungsten bead.
Legs: Partridge, grouse, or mottled hen feather, tied collar style.
Case: Gray/brown Hare’s Mask or synthetic dubbing, spun in a loop.
Originally published April 3, 2000 on Fly Anglers Online by Ralph D’Andrea.