February Freshwater Fly of the Month: Elkwing Caddis Olive
The Elk Wing Caddis is one of the most versatile caddis created. Almost every river has blanket hatches of this must have bug.
The elk wing caddis dry fly is one of the most popular and proven dry flies in the world. The dry fly pattern imitates the natural caddis, one of the most prolific insects across North America that trout feed on. The elk hair caddis can fish like conventional dry flies, as well as be "skated" across the top of the water to attract feeding trout.
Invented on the West Coast by Al Troth, the elk hair caddis has over the years proved to be an un-paralleled fish catcher. In the tradition of all great flies its "why didn't I think of that" quality has reinforced its reputation and resulted in a continual presence on practically every trout bearing water in the world. The best way to think of this fly is as a skater. This is because it is the perfect fly for imitating both the newly emerged caddis flies' maiden voyage (or, the take off), and also the skittering female dropping her payload of eggs under the evening sky.
Tips to fish:
When fishing a caddis hatch the Elk Hair Caddis should be fished using standard dry fly tactics. If you suspect fish are taking spent adults aim for a drag free drift, but if you suspect the fish are after newly hatched adults (look out for slashing rises) employ some judicious twitching of your artificial. Standard presentations will work when using the Elk Hair Caddis as a searching pattern.
References:
http://www.sexyloops.com/flytying/elkhaircaddis.shtml
www.FishingEnthusiast.com
