Killer Caddis

Tied by Warren Frank

Hook:  Tiemco 2457 scud hook or similar
Beads:  Small green glass beads (4 beads seems right for a size 14 hook)
Tail dubbing:  Green Hareline dubbing or similar
Thorax dubbing:  Dark Brown Harline dudding or similar (I used fox squirrel)

Directions:  Pinch down the barbs of your hooks.  Slide 4 beads onto the hook.  I usually put the beads on all 12 hooks at once.  Then put the hook in your vise so the eye is pointing downwards (so the beads slide down), and start your thread at the middle of the hook bend.  Then apply some dubbing to your thread, and wrap a small ball of dubbing in the middle of the bend.  After you've formed the small ball, tie off the thread with a whip finish or a couple half hitches.

Next reposition the hook in the "normal" position, and slide the beads towards the green ball you just made.  Re-start your thread behind the eye of the hook, wind it back towards the beads, and apply your dark brown dubbing to the thread.  Wind on the thorax moving towards the eye.  Tie off the thread with a whip finish or a couple half hitches.  Lastly, using your bodkin, pluck out some longer guard hairs so they look like legs.

Comments: The Killer Caddis is a dead easy fly to tie.  I can crack out a dozen in an hour, and I'm typically a slow tyer.  I like "disposable" flies since I lose so many.  I hate to get personally involved with a fly that I've spent 15 minutes tying, knowing I'm going to lose it in a day anyhow. 

I fish a lot of caddis pupa during the course of the season, and this has been a good fly for me at times.  I fish it most in faster water or when I know I stand a good chance of losing a fly on an underwater snag.  It's a good fly to add to your caddis box.