Fly Tying - Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly

Josh Miller
20 Nov 201906:32

TLDRThe video demonstrates how to create a Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly, a technique that is particularly effective in winter when water levels are low and clear, making fish more wary. The fly is designed to suspend larger and heavier flies under a dry fly for an extended period. The process involves using a size 12 hook, a thread, and a dry fly waterproof dubbing in a tannish or orange color. CDC feathers are used for the wing, and Antron or trigger point material is added for buoyancy. The fly is finished with a deer hair stacker to create a floating head. The key to the fly's effectiveness is the pretreatment with a product called 'liquid float' from High and Dry, which is applied before fishing to ensure the fly remains afloat. The video also suggests using a powdered float for touch-ups during fishing to maintain the fly's buoyancy.

Takeaways

  • 🎣 **Winter Fishing Technique**: The video discusses using a dry dropper fly setup for winter fishing when waters are low and clear, and fish are more easily spooked.
  • 🧵 **Thread Use**: A fully mill dry fly with size 12 hook is used, with six off all thread taken back to the bend without cutting the tag.
  • 📍 **Body Material**: The body of the fly is ribbed using dry fly waterproof dubbing in a tannish or orange color, suitable for an October caddis.
  • 🪶 **Wing Material**: CDC (Cul de Canard) feathers are used for the wing, identified by tiny micro bubbles that help with floating.
  • 🌊 **Natural Segmentation**: A tag is used in the fly to create a natural, non-flashy segmentation.
  • 🧶 **Dubbing for Clean Look**: A pinch of dubbing is tied to hide the thread underneath and maintain a clean appearance.
  • 🟧 **Floatation Material**: Synthetic materials like Antron or McFly are used for better floatation, with Trigger Point chosen for its softness and high visibility.
  • 🦌 **Deer Hair for Top**: Deer hair is used on top, with the under fur removed for a better floatation and appearance.
  • 📏 **Length Consideration**: The deer hair is tied to approximately the same length as the CDC feathers underneath.
  • 🧴 **Pretreatment**: A product called Liquid Float by High and Dry is used for pretreatment to enhance the fly's water resistance and floatation.
  • 🖌️ **Powdered Float Application**: If the fly starts to sink, a powdered float from the same product line is applied with a brush to remove moisture from between the fibers.

Q & A

  • What is the primary purpose of using a Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly?

    -The Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly is used to suspend bigger and heavier flies for longer periods underneath a dry fly, making it an effective tool for fishing in conditions where fish are more easily spooked, such as in low and clear waters during winter.

  • What is the hook size recommended for the Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly?

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

  • What type of thread is used in the video to create the Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly?

    -A thread with a tannish or orange color, suitable for a dry fly waterproof dubbing, is used in the video to create the Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly.

  • What material is used for the wing of the Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly?

    -The wing of the Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly is made using CDC (Cul de Canard) feathers, which are known for their quality and the tiny micro bubbles that help with floating.

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

    -The CDC feather contributes to the functionality of the fly by providing buoyancy. The tiny micro bubbles on the CDC feather help it to grab water and air, allowing it to float better.

  • What is the significance of the deer hair used in the fly?

    -The deer hair is used to create a dry dropper that is soft and has high visibility, which is particularly useful in low-light conditions or fast water. It also helps in creating a natural and non-flashy segmentation when tied onto the fly.

  • What is the name of the product used for pre-treating the fly to enhance its floating ability?

    -The product used for pre-treating the fly is called 'Liquid Float' by High and Dry.

  • What is the benefit of using a pre-treatment like Liquid Float on the fly?

    -Liquid Float helps to seal the fly, preventing water from penetrating it. This enhances the fly's floating ability and ensures it remains effective even when it starts sinking during a fishing session.

  • What is the role of Antron and McFly materials in the construction of the fly?

    -Antron and McFly materials are synthetic and are used to aid in the fly's buoyancy. They are soft, come in various colors, and are particularly useful for creating a high-visibility dry dropper.

  • How does the trigger point material contribute to the fly's effectiveness?

    -The trigger point material, when used in the construction of the fly, adds to its floating capabilities. It is soft, comes in high-visibility colors, and is slightly longer than the other materials to ensure a good float.

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

    -The final step is to apply a powdered float product from High and Dry using a brush. This step ensures that moisture is pulled out from between the fibers of the fly, maintaining its buoyancy and effectiveness in the water.

Outlines

00:00

🎣 Tying a Dry Fly with a Dropper Rig

This paragraph explains how to tie a big dry fly, specifically a caddis, to be used with a dropper rig for fishing in low and clear water conditions during winter. The fly is tied on a size 12 hook using dry fly waterproof dubbing in a tannish or orange color. The wing is made from CDC feathers, which are of good quality and have tiny micro barbs that help the fly float better. An under-wing is also added. To enhance the fly's buoyancy, synthetic material like Antron or trigger point is used, with the latter chosen for its high visibility in low-light conditions. The body is ribbed using the thread tag and dubbing is added to hide the thread and give a clean look. The fly is then pre-treated with a product called Liquid Float to increase its buoyancy and prevent water penetration.

05:03

🎨 Pre-treatment and Maintenance of the Fly

This paragraph discusses the importance of pre-treating the fly with Liquid Float, a product from High and Dry that enhances its buoyancy. The fly is dipped in the product and left to dry overnight, though it can also be used on the same day. When the fly starts sinking while fishing, a powdered version of the same product called High End Dry is used, applied with a brush to paint between the fibers and remove moisture. The use of a pre-treatment and maintenance with the right products helps the fly stay afloat and effective for dry dropper fishing.

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 demonstrates how to tie a specific type of fly known as a 'Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly,' which is designed to suspend heavier flies underneath a larger dry fly for increased fishing effectiveness.

💡Dropper Fly

A dropper fly is an additional fly attached to the main fishing line below the primary fly, often on a separate short length of line called a 'dropper.' In the context of the video, the Clueless Caddis Dry is tied as a dropper fly to present a more enticing target to the fish, particularly in low and clear water conditions.

💡Dry Fly

A dry fly is a type of artificial fly used in fly fishing that floats on the water's surface to imitate insects. In the video, the Clueless Caddis is tied onto a dry fly hook to create a more buoyant and visible lure that can attract fish from a distance.

💡CDC

CDC stands for 'Cul de Canard,' which is French for 'duck's backside' and refers to the fluffy barbs found on the underside of a duck's wing. In fly tying, CDC is used for its buoyant properties and is incorporated into the wing of the Clueless Caddis Dry to enhance its floating capabilities.

💡Dubbing

Dubbing is a material used in fly tying to create the body of the fly. It can be made from various substances, including fur, synthetic fibers, or natural fibers. In the video, a waterproof dubbing in a tannish or orange color is used to create the body of the fly, which helps in mimicking the appearance of a caddis fly.

💡Trigger Point

Trigger Point is a brand of synthetic material used in fly tying that is known for its floating properties and high visibility. In the video, the presenter uses an orange Trigger Point material to add buoyancy to the fly, making it more visible to fish, especially in low-light conditions or fast water.

💡Deer Hair

Deer hair is a natural material used in fly tying for its durability and buoyancy. It is often used to create the head of a dry fly. In the video, the presenter uses deer hair to create a dense, buoyant head for the Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly, which helps keep the fly afloat on the water.

💡Liquid Float

Liquid Float is a product used to pre-treat flies, making them more buoyant and less water-absorbent. The presenter in the video uses a product from High and Dry called Liquid Float to coat the fly, ensuring that it floats longer and is less likely to sink when wet.

💡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 to sink. It helps to repel water and make the fly float again. The video mentions using a powdered floatant from High and Dry with a brush to maintain the fly's buoyancy during the fishing session.

💡Stream Fishing

Stream fishing refers to the practice of fishing in a stream or river, where the conditions such as water clarity and flow can greatly affect fishing techniques. The video discusses the use of a Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly in stream fishing, particularly in winter when water is low and clear, and fish are more easily spooked.

💡Winter Fishing

Winter fishing involves angling in colder months when water levels are typically lower and the fish may be less active. The video script discusses the advantages of using a Clueless Caddis Dry Dropper Fly during winter, as it can help fishermen reach fish that are more wary and located at a distance due to the clear water conditions.

Highlights

Drei dropper fishing is a great way to fish in winter when water is low and clear and fish are spooky.

The video demonstrates tying a big dry fly known as a caddis to suspend heavier flies underneath.

A fully mill dry fly is used with a size 12 hook and six off all thread.

The tag end of the thread is used for ribbing the body.

Dry fly waterproof dubbing in a tannish or orange color is used for the body.

A tag in on a lot of flies gives a natural and not too flashy segmentation.

CDC feathers are used for the wing, which are of good quality indicated by tiny micro bottles on each barbule.

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

A pinch of dubbing is used to tidy up and hide the thread underneath the fly.

Antron and McFly synthetic materials are used to aid in the fly's floatation.

Trigger point, a soft and high visibility material, is used for the dry dropper in low-light or fast water conditions.

Deer hair is used to create a deer hair stack for the fly, providing a natural look.

The deer hair head is trimmed to the same length as the CDC for a balanced appearance.

Liquid float by High and Dries is used as a pretreatment to enhance the fly's floatation.

The powdered float with a brush is used to maintain the fly's buoyancy during fishing.

The fly is ideal for dry dropping, a technique used when fishing in certain conditions.