Z-Wing Caddis Pupa — This pattern can be tied in sizes 12 to 18, but for spring, 18 would be a better choice, especially on the Chattooga. Use alone or as dropper with another nymph pattern or with a dry fly.
Hook size: TMC 2457 (or similar down-eye short-shanked curved shank hook). Weight is optional. You may add lead wire or tie with a bead head if desired.
Thread: 6/0 green
Back: Dark, golden brown turkey feather extending to center back.
Rib: Chartreuse thread.
Abdomen: Bright olive Antron.
Wing: Olive or Green Z-lon tied along each side, half to two-thirds body length.
Collar: Chartreuse Antron.
Head: Peacock twisted.
Head cement: apply to whip finished head.
Traditional egg pattern – Tied with egg yarn call Glo Bugs Yarn or McFLYFOAM. Glo Bugs is straight filament and fluffs nicely when tied. McFLYFOAM is textured, and when tied on the hook and trimmed, it retracts into a tight bundle on the hook and is very durable. Both make excellent egg patterns. My personal favorite color is peach.
Hook sizes: 10 to 16 using a curved egg hook. A straight eye on the smaller sizes will provide a wider hook gap resulting in more hook-ups.
Thread” 6/0 in color matching egg yarn.
Tying instructions: Place hook in vise and palmer tying thread around hook, building a firm base for attaching the yarn. Clip ¾-inch bundles from egg yarn. It may require more than one length to get the desired bulk for the egg. Hold first bundle under bend of hook and wrap several turns tightly around hook and yarn, keeping thread centered and avoid trapping more egg yarn than necessary under thread. Repeat with bundle on top of hook. Spiral thread to near eye of hook (again avoid trapping excess egg yarn under thread). Whip finish to secure thread. Use head cement to secure head.
Fluff egg yarn with brush and trim to size in symmetrical, round shape. Use permanent marker to place red dot on each side of egg. This will increase fish response dramatically. Finished size of egg should be approximately ¼-inch diameter.
White Wooly Booger – This is a good searching pattern, and even if fish are not taking it, they will often move to it, revealing their presence.
Hook: Size 10-12 TMC 5263 or similar streamer hook. May be weighted with lead wire or with bead or cone head.
Attach materials to hook in sequence as shown below.
Thread: White 6/0
Tail: White marabou
Rib: fine gold wire
Body: White Chenille
Hackle: White, palmered.
Head cement: apply to whip finished head.
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