In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Cheech with Fly Fish Food ties a timely dry fly pattern for this Spring, the Iris Caddis.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
With Mother’s Day just a week past, one bug should be on every angler’s mind, the caddis. The month of May for many offers the first big hatch of the year and allows us to forget about bobbers and weighted nymphs, which can be a major relief for shoulders. The classic Mother’s Day caddis hatch of course does not wait for the day itself, so keep an eye out for temperatures and conditions that historically have turned on the hatch for your waters. The Iris Caddis is one pattern of many to keep in your dry box this time of year and prepare yourself for excitement on the water.
This fly shouldn’t give tyers of any level trouble. For beginners, take your time and make sure the wing is proportional to the body. Also make sure to bring your favorite floatant to the river or pond with you, as well as an assortment of sizes. Adding a hot spot to imitate an egg sack on the rear section of the fly is a common addition for variation. The Iris Caddis is not flashy, and it’s important to remember that the simplicity of profile is what will fool fish regardless of location.
Depending on conditions and preference, most anglers can get away with a 5wt setup paired with 4-5x leaders/tippet. If there are heavy debris littering the river, opt for a rod with more backbone or heavier tippet sizes to steer fish clear. This time of year finally allows anglers to leave those nymph boxes at home and focus their efforts on fooling fish on top, which some have waited months for. Enjoy the process of tying up a batch of the Iris Caddis and switching over from bobber chucking to sight casting this season!
Ingredients:
- Hook: Fulling Mill 1310 – Down Eye Dry Hook – 14
- Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread – 8/0 – Dark Mocha Brown
- Shuck: Fulling Mill Ultra Dry Yarn – Brown Dun
- Body: Fulling Mill Ultra Dry Dub – Hare’s Ear
- Head: Fulling Mill Ultra Dry Dub – Pepperbox
- Rib: Fulling Mill Flex-Floss – Brown
- Wing: Fulling Mill Ultra Dry Yarn – White
Now you know how to tie the Iris Caddis!
Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.
