Two Minute Fly Tying: Caddis Larva Bead Head

In this brief fly tying video, I showcase a durable and effective pattern for trout, the caddis larva. Tied as a bead head (though I show one sans bead @ the end), this pattern will get down to the fish quickly, while the picked-out dubbing does a great job representing the gills and legs of the natural insect. Be sure to tie this pattern in colors that match the larva in waters you fish, and don't be afraid to try a few with a hot spot.

[MrChacha]

Tim, Thanks for this series. I travel quite a bit and am just getting back into fly tying after many years away. The first few I tied recently looked like my cat had played with them. After watching your videos on youtube, I am getting back some of my lost skills and the finished products are nice. Your flies do look better than the commercial flies I have seen lately. Thanks to your videos, mine are too. Thanks again

[TimCammisa]

Thanks, Charlie; I really appreciate your kind comments. Happy Easter!

[TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comments, Sean, and don't worry if the are "less than stellar." I appreciate all comments, including those with criticism! On a lot of other patterns, I will "pinch-and-pull" marabou fibers, though prefer the nub-like look for a caddis larva. Either way, both methods catch fish! Thanks again, and hope all is well...

[MikeBlezien]

nifty pattern Tim ... and simple, the way I like'em, very nice job ;)

Mike

[TimCammisa]

Thanks, as always, Mike; when are we going to get you to post some tying videos on here???

[Dskraps]

never thought of using velcro! So helpful for me im havin a hell of a time pickin my scuds after i tie them

[TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment, and sure, you can substitute some materials for the tail. Aside from marabou, the fibers that you use should be more stub-like at the conclusion, and sometimes split (do a google search of some natural larva to see what I mean). Aside from marabou, other examples could be a light-colored peacock, ostrich, or other fuzzy fiber. What were you thinking of using?

[TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment, Redshaftedflicker; I agree with you 100%

[centralmassanglers]

That's ok tim I got the same one was wondering where you got it from .I just tied up a dozen of theese flys used pheasant tail instead of turkey came out great .thanks for the video there great

[TimCammisa]

If you figure it out, let me know bc I really like that bobbin. Pheasant tail is a great substitution; have you tried a synthetic with some flash (like a dark zelon)? That could also really make this fly "pop" in the water...

[redshaftedflicker]

Looks like it could pass for a scud pattern as well. Nice fly, a no bs pattern that I'm sure would outfish most commercial ties.

[TimCammisa]

Thanks for the comment, Dskraps55; it's a great tool that I use for a lot of my patterns.

[TimCammisa]

I honestly am unsure; what I can tell you is that the bobbin has a brass piece, through which goes an uncovered pink piece of ceramic. I really like the bobbin, and will post again if I can figure out where it came from.

[TimCammisa]

All right, but when you do, I'll look forward to them!

[redneckhippie]

i go back over with the turky feather and come back to near the eye agian and then rap wire any thing wrong with that

[seanmooney]

Hello Tim, I do like the pattern, the marabou tail cut with scissors looks terrible. Otherwise I love the fly. I always tear my marabou so it doesn't look so much like a haircut. It is a weak fiber and breaks readily with a strong squeeze against a thumbnail or the back of your scissors. Thanks for the video though this is the first time I have had less than stellar comments and nobody is perfect. All the best, Sean

[RJRPUNK]

can you use anything to substitute a tail?

[MikeBlezien]

HA!! wish I could. don't have the equipment to do videos. Being self employed my fly tying budget is tight enough .... only the import stuff :)

Mike