Fly Tying - Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly

Josh Miller
20 Nov 201906:32

TLDRThis video tutorial focuses on creating a Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly, a versatile fly-fishing lure that is particularly effective during winter when water levels are low and clear, making fish more wary. The host demonstrates how to tie the fly using a size 12 hook and a combination of materials, including CDC feathers for buoyancy, deer hair for the body, and Antron and trigger point for high visibility. The key to the fly's effectiveness is its ability to suspend heavier flies beneath a larger dry fly, enticing fish to bite. The video also emphasizes the importance of using a liquid floatant, like High and Dry's Liquid Float, to ensure the fly stays afloat and is ready for use the next day. The presenter shares tips on applying the floatant and using a powdered version with a brush to maintain the fly's buoyancy during fishing.

Takeaways

  • 🎣 The video demonstrates a technique for using a big dry fly, specifically a caddis, as a dropper fly to suspend larger and heavier flies underneath it.
  • 🧵 The fly is tied on a fully mill dry fly, size 12, using a thread that is not cut but used to rib the body.
  • 🌈 The dubbing used is a dry fly waterproof dubbing in a tannish or orange color, which is suitable for an October caddis but can be adjusted to match different conditions.
  • 🪶 The wing material used is CDC (Cul de Canard), which is of good quality and characterized by tiny micro bottles that help it float better.
  • 📏 The CDC feathers are lined tip to tip and stroked forward, creating a natural and unflashy segmentation.
  • 🧶 A small pinch of dubbing is added to hide the thread underneath, maintaining a clean look.
  • 🟠 A synthetic material like Antron or McFly is used to aid in flotation, with Trigger Point chosen for its softness and high visibility.
  • 🦌 Deer hair is used to create a deer hair stacker, which is tied to the same length as the CDC underneath, providing a buoyant and attractive top to the fly.
  • ✂️ The deer hair is trimmed to a manageable length, avoiding the time-consuming process of spinning a deer hair head.
  • 💧 A pretreatment with a product called Liquid Float is applied to the fly, which helps it float and repel water.
  • 🌟 The final touch is using a powdered float product from the same company, High and Dry, to ensure the fly remains buoyant and dries quickly when wet.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of using a Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly in fly fishing?

    -The Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly is used to suspend bigger and heavier flies for longer periods underneath a dry fly. This is particularly useful in winter when water is low and clear, and fish are more easily spooked, requiring longer distance fishing.

  • What is the size of the hook used for tying the Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly?

    -The hook size used for tying the Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly is size 12.

  • What type of thread is used in the process and where is it tied back to?

    -A thread of six off all is used, and it is tied back to the bend of the hook.

  • What is the purpose of not cutting the tag and instead using it to rib the body?

    -Not cutting the tag and using it to rib the body helps to create a natural and less flashy segmentation in the fly.

  • What is the color of the dubbing used and for what season is it best suited?

    -The dubbing used is a dry fly waterproof dubbing in a tannish or orange color, which is best suited for October caddis.

  • How does the CDC feather contribute to the wing of the fly?

    -The CDC feathers are lined tip to tip and stroked forward to create an underwater wing. The tiny micro bubbles on each barb of the CDC help it to float better in water and air.

  • What material is used to help the fly float and why is it chosen?

    -Synthetic material like Antron and trigger point is used to help the fly float. Trigger point is chosen because it is soft, comes in many colors, and provides high visibility, which is especially useful in low-light conditions or fast water.

  • What is the significance of using deer hair for the fly?

    -Deer hair is used because it is buoyant and can create a fly that floats well. It also adds a natural look to the fly, which can be more enticing to fish.

  • What is the pretreatment used on the fly and what is its purpose?

    -The pretreatment used is a product called 'liquid float' from High and Dry. It is applied to the fly to prevent water penetration and enhance the fly's ability to float. It is non-toxic and can be used the same day or allowed to dry overnight for better results.

  • How is the powdered float from High and Dry used when the fly starts sinking?

    -When the fly starts sinking, the powdered float from High and Dry is used with a brush. The brush allows for precise application between the fibers of the fly, ensuring that moisture is pulled out and the fly remains buoyant.

  • What is the importance of the dry dropper technique in winter fishing?

    -The dry dropper technique is important in winter fishing because it allows anglers to fish at a greater distance and with a more buoyant fly setup, which is crucial when water levels are low and fish are more easily spooked.

  • What is the final step in preparing the Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly for use?

    -The final step is trimming the trigger point slightly longer than the other materials to ensure it floats well, and then applying the pretreatment to enhance the fly's buoyancy and durability.

Outlines

00:00

🎣 Creating a Winter Fishing Fly: The Caddis Dropper

In the first paragraph, the video script focuses on a technique for fishing during winter when water levels are low and clear, making fish more cautious. The narrator describes tying a big dry fly, specifically a caddis, to a fully mill dry fly size 12 hook. The process involves using a thread to rib the body and a dry fly waterproof dubbing for a tannish or orange color. CDC feathers are used for the wing, chosen for their quality and ability to float due to tiny micro bubbles. The narrator also discusses the importance of a natural and not overly flashy segmentation. To enhance the fly's buoyancy, synthetic materials like Antron and trigger point are used, with the latter being chosen for its softness and high visibility, particularly useful in low-light conditions or fast water. The video concludes with the use of deer hair to create a floating dry dropper fly.

05:03

🧪 Pre-treatment for Enhanced Floating: Liquid Float Application

The second paragraph delves into the importance of pre-treatment for the fly to ensure it floats effectively. The narrator uses a product called 'liquid float' from High and Dries, which is applied to the fly before fishing. The product is described as non-toxic and possibly silicon-based, which helps to prevent water penetration. The narrator emphasizes the need to let the fly dry overnight after application. Additionally, a powdered version of the same product is used for touch-ups during the fishing trip, which allows for a more detailed application between the fibers to extract moisture and maintain the fly's buoyancy. The paragraph concludes with a hopeful note, encouraging viewers to try dry dropper fishing with the newly described fly.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Fly Tying

Fly tying is the process of creating artificial flies used as bait in the sport of fly fishing. In the video, the presenter is demonstrating how to tie a specific type of fly called a 'Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly'. This is a significant part of the video's theme as it is the main activity being performed and taught.

💡Dropper Fly

A dropper fly is an additional fly attached to the main fishing line below the primary fly, often used to attract fish by providing a second point of interest. In the context of the video, the Clueless Caddis Dry is being tied as a dropper fly to be suspended under a dry fly, adding depth and versatility to the fishing setup.

💡Dry Fly

A dry fly is a type of artificial fly used in fly fishing that floats on the water's surface, imitating insects. The video's focus is on tying a fly that will work in conjunction with a dry fly, enhancing the chances of attracting fish by offering a more realistic presentation.

💡CDC

CDC stands for 'Cul de Canard', which is French for 'bottom of a duck', and refers to the soft feathers from the bottom of a duck's tail. In the video, CDC feathers are used as part of the wing construction of the fly, which is important for creating a natural appearance and buoyancy.

💡Dubbing

Dubbing is a material used in fly tying to create the body of the fly. It can be made from various substances, including synthetic fibers and natural materials. In the video, a waterproof dubbing in a tannish or orange color is used to create the body of the Clueless Caddis Dry, which is crucial for the fly's appearance and water resistance.

💡Antron

Antron is a type of synthetic material used in fly tying, known for its buoyancy and durability. In the video, Antron is used as a material to help the fly float, which is an essential characteristic for a dry dropper fly designed to suspend just below the surface of the water.

💡Trigger Point

Trigger Point is a brand of soft, high-visibility material used in fly tying, often for creating tails or bodies of flies. In the video, it is used to add a floating property to the fly, enhancing its visibility, especially in low-light conditions or fast water.

💡Deer Hair

Deer hair is a natural material used in fly tying, known for its ability to create a buggy, bushy appearance that imitates the look of many insects. In the video, deer hair is used to create the head of the fly, providing a realistic and attractive profile to the fly.

💡Liquid Float

Liquid Float is a product used to pre-treat flies, making them more buoyant and water-resistant. The video demonstrates the use of this product to ensure the fly remains afloat, which is critical for the effectiveness of the dry dropper fly in fishing.

💡Powdered Float

Powdered Float is a type of floatant used in fly fishing to apply to the fly after it has been in the water and started sinking. It helps to repel water and keep the fly floating. In the video, the presenter mentions using a powdered floatant with a brush to maintain the dry fly's buoyancy during the fishing session.

💡Dry Dropping

Dry dropping is a fly fishing technique where a dry fly is fished with one or more dropper flies attached below it. This method is particularly useful in certain conditions, such as low and clear waters, where fish may be more easily spooked. The video's main theme revolves around creating a fly suitable for this technique.

Highlights

Drei dropper fishing is an effective method for winter when water is low and clear and fish are more easily spooked.

The video demonstrates tying a big dry fly, a caddis, to suspend heavier flies for longer periods under a dry fly.

The fly is tied on a fully mill dry fly, size 12, using six off all of thread.

The tag end of the thread isn't cut but used to rib the body for a more natural look.

A dry fly waterproof dubbing is used for the body, with a tannish or orange color suitable for an October caddis.

CDC feathers are used for the wing, chosen for their tiny micro bubbles that help with floating.

The CDC feathers are lined tip to tip and stroked forward to create an under wing.

A pinch of dubbing is added to hide the thread and maintain a clean look underneath the fly.

Synthetic material like Antron McFly is used to enhance the fly's buoyancy.

Trigger Point material is chosen for its softness, high visibility, and suitability for low-light and fast water conditions.

Deer hair is used for the fly's head, providing a natural and effective appearance.

The deer hair head is trimmed to match the length of the CDC feathers for consistency.

Liquid Float is used as a pretreatment to enhance the fly's buoyancy and prevent water penetration.

High End Dry is used as a powdered floatant with a brush to maintain the fly's buoyancy during fishing.

The fly is designed for dry dropping, a technique that is hoped to be useful for fishing this year.