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An incredibly realistic caddis pupa/emerger pattern

The Graphic Caddis is an incredibly realistic caddis pupa/emerger pattern designed by John Barr to mimic the vulnerable stage of a caddis ascending to the surface. This tutorial uses specific materials from AvidMax to create a size 16 fly with a chartreuse body, olive thorax, and black legs, perfect for trout in rivers and stillwaters.

Let’s Tie!

Materials Used:

• Hook: Tiemco TMC 2488, Size 14-18

• Thread: UNI Thread 8/0, White

• Body: Hareline Micro Tubing, Chartreuse

• Thorax: Hareline Strung Ostrich Herl, Olive

• Legs/Wing Buds: India Hen Back, Black

Tools

• Vise
• Scissors
• Bobbin
• Whip finisher
• Hackle pliers (optional, for handling ostrich herl)

Step-by-Step Tying Instructions:

Step 1: Set Up the Hook

Secure the Tiemco TMC 2488 hook (size 14-18) in the vise. This curved, short-shank hook mimics the natural shape of a caddis pupa.

Start the UNI Thread 8/0 (White) behind the hook eye and wrap a smooth thread base to the hook bend, covering the shank evenly.

Step 2: Tie In the Micro Tubing

Cut a 1.5-inch piece of Hareline Micro Tubing (Chartreuse). Tie it in at the hook bend with the UNI Thread, securing it along the shank to just past the bend.

Wrap the thread forward to the midpoint of the shank, then spiral the chartreuse micro tubing forward in tight, overlapping wraps to form a segmented, translucent body. Stop about one-third of the shank length behind the eye.

Secure the tubing with thread wraps and trim the excess. The chartreuse body mimics the bright abdomen of an emerging caddis pupa.

Step 3: Add the Legs/Wing Buds

Select a Hareline India Hen Back (Black) feather. Strip 2–3 fibers from the feather, keeping them aligned.

Tie in the fibers on one side of the hook, just above the micro tubing body, so they extend rearward at a slight angle, mimicking legs or wing buds. Repeat on the other side for symmetry (total of 4–6 fibers).

Secure the fibers with thread wraps and trim the excess butts. The black India hen adds a realistic, soft hackle effect.

Step 4: Create the Thorax

Select 2–3 strands of Hareline Strung Ostrich Herl (Olive). Tie them in where the micro tubing body ends, using hackle pliers for control if needed.

Wrap the ostrich herl forward in 2–3 tight turns to form a compact, buggy thorax, stopping just behind the hook eye. Secure with thread and trim the excess herl. The olive herl adds a lifelike, iridescent thorax.

Step 5: Finish the Fly

Build a small, neat head with the UNI Thread 8/0 (White) over the thorax tie-in point.

Whip finish behind the hook eye with 2–3 whips for security and trim the thread.

Optionally, apply a drop of UV resin or head cement to the thread head for durability, ensuring the hook eye remains clear.

Gently adjust the India hen fibers to sit naturally, resembling legs or emerging wing buds.

Tying Tips

• Hook Selection: The Tiemco TMC 2488 (size 14-18) is a short-shank, wide-gape hook ideal for caddis pupae. Ensure it’s firmly secured in the vise to handle the micro tubing wraps.
• Micro Tubing: Stretch the Hareline Micro Tubing (Chartreuse) slightly as you wrap to create a tight, segmented body. Avoid overlapping too much to maintain a slim profile.
• India Hen Fibers: Use sparse India Hen Back (Black) fibers to keep the fly delicate. Wetting the fibers slightly can make them easier to handle.
• Ostrich Herl: The Hareline Strung Ostrich Herl (Olive) is fragile; wrap carefully and secure tightly to prevent unraveling.
• Thread Control: The UNI Thread 8/0 (White) provides a strong base but shows through the translucent tubing, enhancing the chartreuse color.

Fishing Notes

• The Graphic Caddis is designed to imitate an emerging caddis pupa, making it highly effective in rivers and stillwaters during caddis hatches.
• Fish it as a nymph under an indicator with a slow, rising retrieve to mimic a pupa ascending to the surface, or swing it in a wet fly setup.
• The chartreuse body and olive thorax attract attention in clear or slightly stained water, while the black India hen fibers add lifelike movement.

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Check out some of our favorite Fly Tying Gear:

• Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
• Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
• Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
• Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
• Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit