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October Caddis

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 11:09 am
by DUBBN
After my success with the Woolly SH last Thursday, I thought I would tie a few more split thread patterns up. The trout definately wanted the Soft Hackle with Orange in it despite the pattern being Woolly and Ugly. I am guessing, and that can be dangerous, that the fish may be keying on October Caddis. I know, it's the 3rd week in July. Why would the trout key on an October Caddis?

Lets see. Despite the name, the October Caddis usually makes an appearance on my local rivers in mid August. They usually only hang around for 4 to 6 weeks. Normally, I dont see an October Caddis after October 1. Most of the Stonefly and Caddis hatches came off about 3 weeks early this year.

Add this up, and my calculations tell me October Caddis could be hanging around the Gunnison River, even though I didnt see any. I know, it's a stretch of the imagination, but it's all I have.

Anyhow, I wanted to tie a few patterns up using the "split thread" technique. October Caddis were on my mind so I came up with a couple patterns.

I am finding a bit difficult to refrain from using too much dubbing in the thread.

Hook - Mustad 3906B, size 12
Tail - Strung Rooster Hackle (Woolly Bugger Grade)
Thread - UTC 70, Fl. Orange
Dubbing - 50% Light Hares Ear 50% SLF Fox Squirrel in a split thread
Collar -Dark Furnace Hen Hackle

Image

Hook - Mustad 3906B, size 12
Tail - Strung Rooster Hackle (Woolly Bugger Grade)
Thread - UTC 70, Brown
Dubbing - 1/3 Light Hares Ear, 1/3 SLF Fox Squirrel, 1/3 Hares Web Dubbing, Orange (thanks JohnP) in a split thread
Collar - Light Furnace Hen Hackle

Image

With a bit of luck and a little shmoozing to the boss (my wife), I may try them out in the morning.

The remarks on the appearance of the October Caddis on rivers here Colorado, are my opinions through my personal observations. Or lack there of. ;)

Re: October Caddis

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 12:19 pm
by Mataura mayfly
Dubbn, both great looking flies. The orange thread of the first really pops.... in the second it is the orange dubbing, therefore nice variations. Well executed and very fish attracting.

Re: October Caddis

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 12:24 pm
by cicvara
-Good work, beautiful flies. Orang dubbing, I have to make.

Re: October Caddis

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 1:07 pm
by Roadkill
[quote="DUBBNI am finding a bit difficult to refrain from using too much dubbing in the thread. [/quote]

Beautiful fly!

Judging by my favorite bugs that I grab and imitate around home if anything you are fishing a skinny little OC. ;)

Re: October Caddis

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 1:44 pm
by DUBBN
Partridge and Orange variation

Hook - Mustad 9672 size 14
Abdomen - C&C Thread, Orange, Heavily waxed. (Thanks Tie2fish)
Working Thread - UTC 70 Brown
Thorax - 1/3 Light Hares Ear, 1/3 SLF Fox Squirrel, 1/3 Hares Web Dubbing, Orange (Thanks JohnP) in a split thread
Collar - Partridge

Image


Roadkill, if the first two patterns are a little anarexic, then I will use this pattern. I dont know why, but I have a sneaking hunch I can get a few dumb fish on any of them. ;) In any case it will be fun finding out.


Thanks for the kind words all. I appreciate them.

Re: October Caddis

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 5:21 pm
by JohnP
Good looking flies, Wayne. I would fish any of them with confidence. What is the C and C thread? :)

Re: October Caddis

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 5:25 pm
by DUBBN
JohnP wrote:Good looking flies, Wayne. I would fish any of them with confidence. What is the C and C thread? :)
John, thank you so much for that dubbing. C&C is Coats and Clark. Embroidery thread you can buy at WalMart or any fabric store. I have never used silk, but from what I can tell, you might call it "Poor mans silk".

Re: October Caddis

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 9:25 pm
by JohnP
Thanks Wayne. I am glad to see you are putting that dubbing to good use. Here is a link to the source of the Hare's Web dubbing:
http://www.flytyersdungeon.com/

His prices are great and his materials are excellent. I bought his Christmas box a couple of years back and was stunned by how much stuff I got.
You have been posting some really great flies lately. Please keep it up.
Take care,
John

Re: October Caddis

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 8:18 am
by tie2fish
Wayne ~ I would be very, very surprised if these flies don't kill when there are late season caddis around. Your creations always seem to end up being exactly the right thing at the right time.

Re: October Caddis

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 10:24 am
by hankaye
DUBBIN, Howdy;

Sorry I missed this thread yesterday, had my nose in a BBQ forum
trying to figure out a new smoker/grill that won't take up much space.

Great lookin flies and your 'observations' are interesting as well. As I'm
still "new" here (only been 4 years), and don't quite 'know' what the
usual is... Your lucky in that you have a chance to recognise what the
average is and are able to recognise when the patterns have skewed.

Always enjoy your insights and thoughts as to what is going on ...

hank