Partridge Grab Pupa
Photos and text from Ben Beckwith
Why use A Caddis fly for catching trout?
Caddis are a huge meal for trout providing an excellent source of nutritional protein and an important part of the food chain and consequently a crucial fly for the fly angler to use. Partridge Grab Pupa comes in various sizes so therefore can create the perfect natural fly.
Step by step instructions
Caddis flies in pupa and dry fly form should be in every fly anglers box on outings to rivers and lakes today. The Partridge Grab Pupa is a perfect hook to create this fly.
Dressing for the Caddis:-
Step 1 – Put the bead on the hook and build a small base of thread to hold it in place.
Step 2 – Bite 4mm of the end of the fluorocarbon so it becomes rough. This will make it easier to tie in. Proceed to catch in the fluorocarbon and the thin skin and tie it down to just past the bend of the hook (as pictured). Make sure to leave enough bare hook so not to limit the flies hooking capabilities.
Step 3 – Form a dubbing rope by twisting the dubbing around the thread. The closer to the hook the tighter and sparser the loop. This will help to build a smooth taper. Finish 3mm behind the bead and gently brush the dubbing with some Velcro to create texture.
Step 4 – Pull the thin skin up towards the bead making sure it stays on the back of the fly. Do NOT cut it yet. Wrap the fluorocarbon up for the rib making sure to not catch or wrap any fibres over the back of the fly.
Step 5 – When you have tied the rib in, proceed to cut off the excess. Then pull the excess thin skin back and tie it in pointing towards the rear of the fly.
Step 6 – Use the brown sharpie to colour the thread and form a dubbing rope of the hare and fox mix. Brush it down with Velcro and pull the thin skin over the top. Tie it off and cut of the waste piece.
Step 7 – Form another dubbing loop of the dubbing mix and brush it out to finish the fly. Whip finish and cut of the waste piece.
Step 8 – Cut all dubbing off the top of the fly to create the realistic caddis look.
