Walter Wiese of Park’s Fly Shop in Gardiner, MT developed this fly out of need. The Coachman Trude had always been their top fly when drifting the Yellowstone River. One year they faced a shortage of these time consuming to tie flies and had to come up with a substitute that was quick to tie and also effective. Walter morphed two flies the Coachman Trude and the Iris Caddis into a single pattern. The speed at which he was able to crank out the flies (several dozen each night) was able to keep pace with his clients needs and it actually out fished the Trude. It has become one of their go to flies. Those of you who like fishing attractors should give it a try.

Walter has since come up with several more Clacka Caddis versions including several to imitate caddis hatches. To see these patterns I suggest getting Walter’s excellent book The Fly Patterns of Park’s Fly Shop. To obtain a copy contact Walter at www.parksflyshop.com. To see Walter tie this fly go to his channel on You Tube. www.youtube/user/ParksFlyShop

Hook : Standard dry fly; #12 – #16
Thread : 8/0 Dark brown
Tail : Caddis gold zelon
Abdomen : 2-4 strands of peacock herl
Wing : White widow’s web tied in a loop
Thorax : Chocolate brown; palmered through the thorax, trim the bottom

Alan Bowers

Fly tied by Alan Bowers