Beautiful picture; so different from my home waters of northern Maine. I've tied the Sparkle Pupa but it pales beside yours; outstanding job. As for fishing it..., I have to agree with Dubbn. I've never done well with it, and I really put in the time with that pattern. I finally came to the conclusion that even a generic soft hackle would out-produce it.
Re: Gary LaFontaine's Sparkle Pupa
Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2022 7:15 pm
by FlyFisherMann1955
Here is a soft hackle, sparkle pupa alternative. This is from The Feather Bender's Flytying Techniques by Barry Ord Clark.
Antron Caddis Pupa
Hook: Partridge Caddis K2BY - size 12
Thread: Uni 8/0 - Olive
Abdomen: Antron - Caddis Green
Twisted then wrapped & covered with UV cure
Thorax: Ice Dub - Olive Brown
Combed back to represent the shuck
AZ Simi Seal - black Peacock
Hackle: Partridge dyed olive
Fibers removed from 1 side to make it sparse
Head: Thread colored black with Pantone marker
Head cement: Orvis - water based
DSC02138.JPG (102.27 KiB) Viewed 2026 times
On this fly I substituted Grouse for the hackle.
DSC02142 (2).JPG (83.37 KiB) Viewed 2026 times
You can watch his tying demo here:
youtu.be/uxVCLf7vuy8
Tight Lines- Ken
Re: Gary LaFontaine's Sparkle Pupa
Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2022 9:09 pm
by letumgo
I received a copy of “The Feather Bender's Flytying Techniques” for Christmas (excellent book). Beautiful caddis pattern. I’d fish those with confidence.
Nice reference photo John. Thanks for sharing your collection with us.