Woodchuck Caddis

This pattern is one of the caddis patterns listed in Eric Leiser’s fly tying book “The Book of Fly Patterns”.  This is one of the versions under the broad heading of the Chuck Caddis.  You can change the body color to more closely match the caddis on your local waters.  The color of this one is a tribute to Fran Better’s Ausable patterns. Commonly used body colors are tan, olive, gray and black.  According to Leiser this pattern tied in different colors and sizes can be used all season long.  It’s popularity is due to its fish catching ability and the roadside availability  of its winging material.  When tying you might try stacking the guard hairs as you would deer hair.

Hook :       Dry fly #12-20

Thread :    Flo fire orange

Body :       Burnt orange Australian opossum

Wings :     Woodchuck white tipped guard hairs

Hackle :    Grizzly and brown mixed.

John Lazar

Fly tied by John Lazar