Rich Strolis of Catching Shadows demonstrates in this fly tying video how to tie his Rock Candy Caddis Larva, a virtually bomb-proof Caddis larva fly pattern that also passes for a grub imitation when tied in the larger sizes.
Body by Rock Candy
The Strolis Rock Candy Caddis larva features a pretty unique material, Sybai Flat Body Glass, which is a stretchy synthetic material that makes great Caddis larva bodies. Thin Skin makes a decent alternative to the Body Glass.
As Rich shows us, overlapping the Body Glass when wrapping the body produces a ribbed effect that mimics the segments in a Caddis larva body. Due to the elasticity of the Sybai Body Glass, this caddis pattern is super durable and laughs at rocks as it bounces off – a lot like a Vladi Worm.
How to Fish Rock Candy
Tied with a Tungsten bead and lead body, this Caddis larva fly pattern makes a great anchor fly in a multi-fly nymphing rig fished with an indicator or Euro style with a sighter. You can lighten up the fly with a brass bead if you like.
Rock Candy Caddis Material List
Hook: Dohiku 644 Grub or Knapek G, or TMC 2499 spbl, size 6 to 16
Thread: UTC 140, chartreuse
Bead: Tungsten or Brass, black
Underbody: Flat lead or lead wire
Undercoating: Uni-Stretch, 1x, chartreuse
Body: Sybai Flat Body Glass or Thin-Skin, olive
Collar: Spiky Squirrel Dub
Enjoy!
