Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - 16
STEELIE CADDIS:
Teaching Children to Tie Steelhead Patterns
by Christian A. Shane
photos by the author
"The caddis larvae is a standard (steelhead) pattern and
is mainly tied in its common green Rhyacophila version."
Matt Supinski, Steelhead Dreams (2001).
After many years of fishing, I still enjoy flipping over rocks
and discovering the wonderful world of caddisflies and
its self-created case building habitats. Non-anglers may
not believe that a brightly colored creature can appear
from such intricate and stylish dwellings constructed from
twigs, sand, gravel, or bark. It is amazing for a child (or
even an adult) to encounter the fluorescent green color
of a caddisfly emerging from its home. What a great way
to introduce a new fly angler or fly tier to the sport by
demonstrating this specific aquatic critter.
Since caddisflies are prevalent in freshwater
environments, the Steelie Caddis presents a wonderful
steelhead pattern for young tiers. I tie this pattern with
kids since it allows many variations and uncomplicated fly
tying techniques, especially along the body of the fly. I find
that three easy to acquire fly tying materials can be used
to mimic the body of the caddisfly including Diamond
16
Braid, dubbing, or vinyl ribbing (V-Rib). The beadhead
then simulates an egg (hot red, fluorescent pink, or natural
black tungsten).
After matching the hook with the bead size and placing
it on the hook, the first step begins with the body. I prefer
Diamond Braid material since it is simple for young
tiers to use. If that is not available, try V-ribbing or plain
dubbing to create the profile of the caddis.
Version 1-Diamond Braid
Located in the chenille, braids, and yarns section of
your fly shop or tying section, this material comes in
varying colors including Fluorescent Shrimp Pink, Root
Beer, and Caddis Green. Diamond Braid is versatile and
works well for the Steelie Caddis' body. When tying the
material on the hook shank, I encourage children to tie
it in close to the hook eye and work back to form a body
base. Then, wrap it forward in equal wraps to create the
caddis body.
Version 2-dubbing
If you can locate some specific Caddis Green or
fluorescent dubbing, your tier can use this in place of
the Diamond Braid body. The advantage of dubbing is
controlling the amount placed on the thread. Your tier
can also mold a tapered-body shape of the caddis by using
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - 3
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - Cover4
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