Fed’s Poly Yarn Caddis is yet another exceptional creation by HFF fly-tying guru Paul Fedeles. Paul presents two distinct versions of this fly: This fly mimics adult caddisflies on the water. Its combination of durable materials and design enhances both visibility and performance, helping you catch more fish.

The success of this fly is due to its thoughtful design and quality materials. Here’s a breakdown of what makes the Fed’s Poly Yarn Caddis so effective:

Materials Breakdown: The Craft Behind the Fed’s Poly Yarn Caddis

• Target Spot and Ribbing – Crystal Flash
  The crystal flash ribbing adds a subtle shimmer, mimicking the iridescence of live caddisflies. This material catches the fish’s eye, increasing your chances of a strike.
• Body – Peacock Herl
  Peacock herl, with its natural shine and texture, is the perfect material for the body. Its green hues resemble the natural appearance of caddisflies, attracting fish while floating on the water.
• Wing – Poly Yarn (Yellow for Daytime, Black for Low Light)
  Poly yarn wings are lightweight and highly buoyant. Yellow is ideal for bright conditions, while black excels in low light, making the fly more visible to fish.
• Hackle – Brown and Grizzly
  Brown and grizzly hackles create a realistic, lively appearance. This combination helps mimic the movement of an adult caddisfly and keeps the fly afloat.

The Two Versions: Versatility for Every Situation

Paul Fedeles crafted two specific versions of Fed’s Poly Yarn Caddis to ensure that anglers are covered in any lighting situation:

Yellow/White for Daytime

For bright, sunny days or slightly overcast conditions, Paul’s yellow or white-winged version shines. The bright wing colours make the fly highly visible on the surface of the water, even in fast currents or against the bright backdrop of the sky. This version is perfect for targeting active fish feeding in clear, well-lit conditions.

Black for Poor Light

When fishing in low-light conditions such as early morning, late evening, or cloudy days, the black-winged version of the Fed’s Poly Yarn Caddis is the go-to choice. The dark silhouette stands out in dim lighting, providing better contrast against the water’s surface. This helps fish spot the fly easily when natural light is limited.

Why Fed’s Poly Yarn Caddis Should Be in Your Fly Box

Paul Fedeles’ Poly Yarn Caddis is not just another caddisfly imitation; it’s a thoughtfully designed fly that combines effective materials and versatile design to perform in a wide range of fishing conditions. Here’s why it deserves a spot in every angler’s fly box:

• Durability and Performance: The use of durable materials like poly yarn and peacock herl ensures that this fly will last through numerous casts and strikes. Its buoyant design keeps it riding high on the surface, making it an excellent dry fly.
• Visibility and Versatility: By offering two distinct versions – one for daytime and one for low-light conditions – Paul provides anglers with a flexible tool that can be adapted to changing light and water conditions.
• Attraction and Lifelike Movement: The combination of the crystal flash ribbing, peacock herl body, and dual hackle pattern make the fly not only visually appealing but also capable of creating lifelike movement on the water. This attracts fish and encourages aggressive strikes.

Whether you’re fishing in the bright light of day or the fading light of evening, this fly offers a versatile solution to help you catch more fish. With both the yellow/white and black versions in your fly box, you’ll be well-prepared for any fishing scenario.

Next time you’re out on the water, trust in Paul Fedeles’ Poly Yarn Caddis to deliver consistent, reliable results. Happy fishing, and tight lines!

Materials

• Hook: Dry fly barbless size 10
• Thread: Black sheer 14/0
• Target spot: Crystal flash
• Ribbing: Crystal flash
• Body: Peacock herl
• Wing: Yellow Poly Yarn
• Hackle: Brown and Grizzly

Tying Instructions

1. Start the Thread
   Secure the thread to the hook shank, starting behind the eye and wrapping it evenly down to the bend of the hook.
2. Tie in the Crystal Flash
   Attach the crystal flash at the bend of the hook. This will serve as both the target spot and ribbing for the fly.

3. Return the Thread to the Eye
   After securing the crystal flash, bring the thread forward to just behind the hook eye, leaving space for the hackle and wing.
4. Prepare and Tie in Peacock Herl
   Select three strands of peacock herl and tie them in at the head, just behind the eye of the hook.

5. Wrap the Peacock Herl Body
   Wrap the peacock herl back toward the bend of the hook, then wrap it forward again to the eye, forming a full body. Leave enough space behind the eye to accommodate the wing and hackle.
6. Target Spot and Palmer with Crystal Flash
   Wrap a few turns of crystal flash at the back of the body to form the target spot. Then, palmer (spiral wrap) the crystal flash evenly over the peacock herl body, moving toward the eye. Secure it and trim the excess.

7. Tie in the Poly Yarn Wing
   Place the poly yarn on top of the hook, securing it just behind the eye. Trim the wing to your desired length.
   
   Use yellow or white poly yarn for daytime, and black for low-light conditions.
8. Attach the Hackle Feathers
   Tie in the grizzly hackle first, followed by the brown hackle. Remember the rule: “The last thing to wrap forward is the first thing to tie on.”

7. Wrap the Hackle
   Begin by wrapping the brown hackle around the hook three times. Tie it off and trim the excess with a razor blade or scissors.
   
   Next, wrap the grizzly hackle forward three turns. Tie it off and trim the excess.
8. Finish the Fly
   Complete the fly with a whip finish or half-hitch behind the hook eye to secure the thread. Apply a small dab of head cement for durability if desired.