Sparkle Caddis Pupa By Charlie Craven

The Sparkle Caddis Pupae was developed by the illustrious Gary LaFontaine.
While a simple pattern to both tie and fish, there are a few little tricks in the process that I will try to shed some light on here.
I like to use the SCP as a dropper behind a dry during an actual caddis hatch as well as a general searching nymph during non-hatch times. I think fish see enough of these during the summer months to keep an eye out for, what must be, a tasty morsel.

Materials Needed:

Hook: TMC 100SPBL #14-18
Thread: 8/0 Dark Brown
Overbody: Tan Aunt Lydias Sparkle Yarn
Body: Haretron Dubbing to match natural
Rib: Dark Brown tying thread
Head: Black Marabou

[kevinknight]

As ALWAYS, you are the definitive source for the best way to tie so many different flies. Thank you very much!

[thomasgibbons]

I recently watched the video "Gary LaFontaine" and realised the old feelings I had about his edification of "caddis". Everyone should check it out. Wonderful fly Charlie. Thanks. Several years in a row I've been in your area but not been able to check you out. At least the shop. Anyway I did fish Boulder Creek and South Platte down to Deckers. Stay tight.

[fredleroux]

Thank you for keeping us sane, with your knowledge and skills 🙏🎣🐟🇿🇦

[cachi-]

Gary Lafontaine was the Caddis Grand Pupah (get it?). I used to tie these a lot but never with marabou herl. Great choice, Charlie.

[ttpearse]

Excellent tying details! Love the look of the marabou head.

[craigphillips]

Thanks. Will try this today during tying/hiding from covid-19 time.

[jonc.]

I'd never seen the maribou done like this, it looks great. I gave it a try on a couple flies, got trash results, and switched over to pheasant after shaft feather which ties in easier and still looks great. Super video on a bona fide classic.

[Podobed]

Great tips Charlie. This is the one of many flies I don't have down pat yet, and this helped.

[royalstukey]

Thank you Charlie great job on the video

[cyrexgamma]

Lol the fish don't know! Lovely 🤣

[EscalanteFlyFlipper]

Yeah. I still have packages of actual Gary LaFontaine touch dub and Antron in all the colors. The haretron is nice.

Great pattern fishes good.

[juddthalman]

Great tie as always! What your favorite dubbing underbody color and hook size for Mother’s Day caddis?

[zafotbeeb]

If you use the correct type of antron yarn you will have even better luck with your fishing experience. The correct yarns are hard to come by these days, as they have clear antron fibers in a mix with colored fibers. The clear antron fibers reflect light in exactly the same spectrum or Kalvin temperature, as the natural caddis pupa does. This pattern has been my primary searching pattern for nearly 30 years.

[fudd]

Howdy, Charlie trying to tie sparkle Caddis my bubble doesn’t seem to be the best … my question is, I am using UTC Antron yarn on the Spool. is that kosher?? You use the craft store yarn on the video ….my bubble seems to be bunched ... not very even… maybe I need more practice.. Any insight you have would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Alan-znjr]

Great pattern ..has anyone ever used wig hair, or Kanekelon for the body wings or tails for Caddis patterns...it ties nicely, not sure yet if the fish like it though...

[spikeconley]

Curious why you use the same color antron shell for all colors, when Gary specified so many colors. I guess you find it doesn't matter? It does tend to change or subdue the body color though right?

[billgouckenour]

Thanks for another great lesson. Do you ever add weight on the hook as you tie this pattern?
Thanks again

[Sides]

What other colors of dubbing do you use? Bright green and brown.

[brooktroutangler]

what is your preferred way to fish this? surface, below the surface etc.? Thank you

[brianmozer]

Nicely tied. What is most effective way to fish this pattern? In surface film dead drift or can u swing like a wet fly?