CRAZY FOR CADDIS

During my recent extended trip far north from San Francisco hitting all my favorite rivers and streams during mid week when they belonged only to Mr. Wolf! I threw two flies more then any others. My Nuclear Nymph which was insanely hit and chewed by dumfounded trout trying desperately to discern, “ What the Hell is that?”. As is always the case Caddis Patterns are knock outs if colors and size are carefully worked out. This months fly pattern “ Marco’s Gold Caddis “ dedicated to my best pal next door whose Father is a serious fisherman is easy to tie and very effective if short lined without much fly line left on surface. During this extremely low Fall water period here in California, water clarity is the challenge! While working the Gold Caddis I found it was hit quickly if I simply let it float away without casting or disturbing stream ambience....

First I would find a reasonable looking feeding lane or obvious current moving feeding material, while hiding behind a tree, rock or staying in heavy shadows the Gold Caddis was allowed to completely blend into whatever surface activity present. Through the years when fly fishing with many Caddis patterns in existence on streams and rivers, never has a morning been dull!

Caddis Fly Presentation Suggestions

After allowing many feet of fly line to either float free without casting down stream

or carefully short lining where as much line as possible is quickly picked up as the fly moves past and continues down stream is mesmerizing to watch as fast rising trout slam this pattern! Those seasoned Caddis pilots ready to expand their knowledge base may begin practicing Dying Nymph Dances. That is simulating the jerky start and stop motions made by all dying insects. I usually begin the Death Boogie about midway through a drift because any trout watching or contemplating a possible rise to water buffet will kick into 6th gear when he spies the Last Dance!

Another Caddis water ballet is my own signature tried and true Quick Sprint routine. This technique simulates a healthy hard to catch Caddis winged almost adult by pulling on the fly line quickly and making the fly skip across the current rapidly and then stop just as quick! The final stop can be just as irresistible as the quick skate if practiced. One aspect ought to be clear to all bug throwers, if your not tying your Caddis pattern with built in strength as in tight wraps, glue where possible, longevity will not be yours. When the action starts with well tied caddis resplendent in your local colors, be prepared for more then one hook up, work all obvious areas well; Under tree limbs, near and just under rocks large boulders, along stream edges. A quick word about any and all plastic, felt, string whatever strike indicator’s. If you need that much help feeling a striking, biting fish? Maybe long afternoons worshiping day time TV may be best for you Mr. Timid.....

Hope For You Twice A Year Fly fisher’s

In as much as I have spent my life from age five on streams and rivers pursuing game fish and watching the habits of those fly fishers I run across who are obviously not seasoned, timid, unsure of exactly what to do and snagging fly line which they take enormous amounts of time to untangle failing ever to actually catch and release fish.... I have this advise for all of my poor often frustrated disappointed young fly fishing hopefuls! There is hope for you starting right now!

Fly Fishing Reality Check

If you learn to first survey precisely where you want to begin fly casting on rivers or streams? Then think slowly about where you might snag fly line in hanging trees; access to possible safe wading opportunities, observations of currents, deep holes, insects present absent, rising fish,? After turning over quietly several stream side rocks or fallen branches sifting through the oozing goo to look for insect material, larvae any evidence of resident insects? Deciding one fly or two fly set up, then slowly begin working only the edges nearest to you before casting out further. One would be well served to maintain no more then a few feet or less depending on your casting accuracy between casting attempts so you have covered all the water. Many game fish have habits of not budging from long established feeding avenues no matter how enticing your fly may be. Long and short of this sport my new hopeful friends who may be not actually catching fish with flies. I have had many, many trips in my life where I have caught nothing and seven year old girl’s drowning worms or soaking salmon eggs were yanking them in with their grandmother’s...... It is part of this esoteric insane sport we love, get used to it or take up Yoga with the Ball & Chain Cowboy. Remember the real pay off is your privilege of becoming a player in mother natures natural order for a few hours! It ain’t suppose to be easy Pilgrims or K- Mart & McDonald’s would start having huge fly fishing big money tournaments which of course ain’t going to happen.

Life On The Fly

Must be many ways to spend your life and time without getting soaking wet and seeing blind. Not sure how the addiction arrived as I was susceptible and easily Aligned...

Something about watching that tiny piece of feather and fur swallowed by swirling waters enchanting overly smart trout.

Always the same feelings in your wrist when the wild yank of freedom lost makes you smile!

Thank the Gods and never forget how lucky you are to have found Nirvana just for a little while.

Mr. Wolf

Marcos Gold Caddis