Little Green Micro Caddis | Selective Trout and the Micro Patterns Part 1

 

above photo: #20 Micro Caddis are what get me into 
larger selective trout during the summer middle hours of the day.

Given the scenario of long hot summer days and very clear shallow spring creeks one has to be prepared for some frustration and failure. You can often bypass the expletives and rejection by following a few simple rules. Carry micro patterns and religiously use 6 and 7x tippet on a regular basis. Find light wire hooks for those special moments where you can see the fish clear as day and the flash of a polished barb sends out an APB, for you youngsters, that stands for an All-Points Bulletin. My grandfather was a police chief on Maui for 23 years so I like to use the term especially if the trout have your number if you get my drift.

above photo: My Little Green Micro Caddis, seen here 

in a #20 on a TMC 531 short shank hook (click image to enlarge)

Often in the western Alleghenies and my usual suspects in the Smokies I carry a small box the size of a 3x5 card. In it I have my “difficult flies” as I like to call them. These are the micro patterns in size 18's, 20's, and 24's all scaled down versions of my larger size 14's and 16's. Patterns that present themselves and mimic maybe 2 or more species are great solutions for difficult trout. Using light wire hooks is also a must. My TMC 531 stash as well as TMC 212Y and the venerable 102Y are good hooks for our discriminating and very shy friends. My best advice is cast a #20 and work your way down especially in 18" water levels or even shallower silky ribbon water. If you cast a #16 hair pattern on 5x into a shallow narrow run or pool all bets are off on these tedious fish. I'm not saying a #16 on 5x won't work what I'm really trying to say is you may only have one chance! So heir on the side of caution.

above photo: Using a split thread hair dubbed thorax helps minimize symmetrical silhouettes that most conventional hackle collars project. The hair dubbed thorax also adds subtle movement to the insect (click image to enlarge)

The aforementioned hooks provide a certain level of stealth that cannot be denied. These are very light wire blackened hooks. Hook design has changed exponentially since I started tying over the years. Does hook design drive pattern styles? Or do pattern styles drive hook design? I believe its both and it only makes fly tying that much more creative. In regards to micro patterns newer hooks have enabled us to adjust sizes of larger patterns scaleability without compromising the hooks relative positive hooking action. Stealth is also a factor when it comes to hook design. You can blue your own hooks using Oxpho-Blue Cold Bluing Solution. Using a small wad of steel wool soaked in this solution gently rub the hook repeatedly. Rinse and repeat. The steel wool will expedite the bluing process greatly. Rinse the hook thoroughly with cold water and let it dry. Be sure to use rubber surgical gloves when doing this, bluing solutions are extremely toxic! Use a full face respirator as well. I've known too many gunsmiths who have gotten blood disorders and I too have had to learn the hard way. After bluing 24 years worth of ferrules, butt cap and ring sets, and guides I'm extremely sensitive to bluing solutions of all kinds. Again heir on the side of caution when using these chemicals.

Little Green Micro Caddis | Biot Wing

Hook: #20- #24 TMC 531 or TMC 103 BL

Thread: UTC Ultra Thread 70

Body: SLF Spikey Squirrel with clear mylar rib hit with dark green marker

Legs: Micro knotted pheasant tail x2 joint

Underwing: Tan yellow CDC x2 feathers

Wing: Biot dyed green tan

Thorax: Split thread dubbed using muskrat squirrel and beaver 

Antennae: Lemon barred duck flank

This entry is just the tip of the ice burg when it comes to fishing micro patterns but it gives you a mindset you need to get into difficult water and where to start. When I was younger I read Darrel Martin's book Micro Patterns, Tying & Fishing the Small Fly. I quickly realized I was approaching the water with the wrong attitude and understanding. The pages of this book will vastly help you with not only patterns but chess-like strategies to get you into selective trout on the river.

check out my “shop notes” section www.cjbovarods.com for 23 years of blogging about dying feathers, bleaching, dying quills, and biots. Over 100,000 views much appreciated!

~Cheers and thanks for letting me share 

Clint Bova