That is a great effect as well Philip. Are you ribbing the thread with the Rhea and counter wrapping with the wire?

Yes, 3906, #14.

I like to add a peacock head. And you would want to nix the tail of the mayfly pattern. I don't think that just a denser hackle would get you too far closer to a caddis.

Thread: pearsall's gossamer silk, primrose
Tail: medium dun genetic hen
Body: Rhea herl and thread twist
Hackle: honey dun hen

Interesting.

TJ, It looks like you like the softer variations. #1 is the Mink and Pintail, I think I posted it here earlier, #4 is an established steelhead pattern that has been around for a while called the Shedlock Spider, I used a little holographic tinsel for flash and angora dubbing. #6 is what I call the G...

Yes, I think so. A "bubble" would require a different profile than just a shimmering insect. This is a caddis pattern I have tied for a number of years. It has a "shimmering" translucence but a completely different profile than Lafontane's caddis pupa. However, I have no idea if ...

Mark - interesting topic and picture. You're right it does look a bit like a boatman but there are features that make me believe that it is a caddis fly as stated. The wings on top are the correct length for an pair of emerging wings and do not extend to the end of the abdomen, a feature which can b...

Upstate TJ - I fish a lot of flymph style flies for steelhead. I use a switch rod and the wingless style is just wonderful with this or would be with any longer single handed as well. As Ray I like to get them down and I use one of two different methods. My favorite is just a single fly with a float...

My choice of wording was probably not the best. I like the others as well. Good color in this one, you got the red but I would still keep it thin. I was referring more to a swollen color, my bad.