The Z Wing caddis is a very effective pattern this time of year with caddis starting to emerge. Hanging this fly off of a caddis dry is one of my favorite ways to fish it when there are selective fish feeding. One other variation of this pattern is tied with a bead head to add a little weight.
Z Wing Caddis
Materials:
Hook: TMC 2457 sz. 14 -20
Abdomen: Yellow Tan East Coast Dudding
Rib: Copper Ultra Wire (sized to match hook)
Back: 3 or 4 Peacock Herls
Wing: Lemon Wood Duck feather
Wing 2: White or Gray Antron yarn
Collar: Yellow Tan East Coast Dubbing
Head: Peacock Herls
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Z Wing Caddis Pupae |
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Start off by making a thread base; tie in the ultra wire (copper) to match the size of the hook |
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Tying back to the hook bend add 3 or 4 Peacock herls. |
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Dub the abdomen. Green dubbing can be substituted for Tan |
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Fold the Peacock forward and tie off, keeping the herls close together to form a nice back strap. Wrap the wire forming a rib and tie off with peacock. |
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Select 3 Lemon Barred Wood Duck fibers, tie in about 1.5 times the length of the hook. Select a short length of Antron and tie it in the center pointing it back on each side of the hook. Cut Antron to about half the hooks length. |
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Make 2 or 3 wraps of Tan dubbing in front of the Anton to make a collar. Finally take the 3 or 4 peacock herls and make 2 or 3 wraps to form a head then tie off. Whip finish and head to the river! | | | | | | | | |
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Nice healthy brown on Valley Creek. |