Fly Patterns

Photo from Umpqua.com catalog

Summer is the time when many fly fishers fish the evening caddis hatches. Elk hair patterns were the first ones that novice fishers usually resort to and logically ones that most beginning tyers learn to tie. I was no different in that respect – however, I was later introduced this popular and effective pattern by the knowledgeable tyers from the Stanislaus Fly Fishers.

I initially turned to this fly as a good caddis emerger pattern - but later learned that its creator Mike Mercer isn’t sure why it is so effective and believes it can imitate other aquatic insects such as mayflies or life-stages like spent caddis. Whatever the reasons, it is an extremely fishy pattern with a very loyal following.

The best instruction for tying this pattern can be found at Umpqua’s YouTube site where Mike Mercer ties and describes how versatile his creation can be:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4gpeKRKpZQ.

Like most popular patterns I would encourage you to use alternative materials to mimic the specific insect or life stage that you are seeking. For example, I frequently tie this pattern using a curved scud hook to suspend the abdomen deeper into the water film.

Mike Mercer’s recipe is listed below:

Hook:     #12-19 Tiemco 102Y or #12-20 100B Thread: Uni-Thread 8/0 Camel

Abdomen: Same as thread, coat with UV resin Ribbing: Krystal flash or flashabou pearl Thorax: Ice dub black peacock

Spent Wing: Z-lon dark dun

Hackle: Dry fly hackle dun, sized to hook

Wing: Light or bleached elk hair (natural yearling elk if available)

-Bob Fujimura