When it comes to fly patterns, I generally lean toward attractors. I like flies, which are general representations of aquatic insects. However, there’s something uniquely satisfying about tying and fishing a more imitative pattern, like Lance Egan’s GTI Caddis. This fly has a slim profile, lifelike segmentation, and natural coloration—perfect for mimicking caddis larvae. Below, I’ll walk you through the steps to tie this effective pattern. For visual learners, I’ve included my video tutorial in this post.
Materials Needed
Hook: Hanak H 300-BL Czech-style hook
Bead: 2.4mm round tungsten bead
Tail: Peacock herl
Ribbing: Olive crystal flash and 6X tippet
Body: Olive nymph dubbing
Shell Back: Scud Back-Summer Duck
Thorax: Peacock herl
Resin: Loon Flow: https://amzn.to/4jiEu6p
Tying the GTI Caddis
If you prefer to watch the entire tying process, check out the embedded video tutorial below. For those who like to follow detailed, written instructions at their own pace, keep reading for a complete step-by-step guide. Either way, this post has you covered!
Step By Step Instructions
1. Setting the Foundation
Secure a Czech-style hook in your vise and slide on a 2.4mm tungsten bead. Wrap several turns of lead wire onto the hook shank. This adds essential weight, helping the fly sink quickly to the feeding zone.
Create a thread base, starting just behind the lead wraps. Use your thread to create a smooth transition and lock the lead securely in place. Then, wrap the thread down to the bend of the hook, snipping off the excess thread.
2. Adding the Tail
Select two strands of peacock herl and break them to size, ensuring a natural taper. Tie them in at the bend of the hook using firm thread wraps. The tail should be short and stubby—just enough to hint at movement without overwhelming the fly’s profile. Secure the herl with a few extra wraps and ensure the tail remains centered.
3. Ribbing and Shell Back Preparation
Tie in a single strand of olive crystal flash along the side of the hook to serve as ribbing. Next, secure a piece of 6X tippet material just behind the lead wraps, positioning it on top of the shank. This tippet will later create the segmented shell backing of the fly. Make tight wraps to lock everything in place.
4. Building the Body
Create a thin dubbing loop with olive dubbing. Spin the loop tightly to lock the fibers in place, then wrap it forward in tight, touching turns to form a slim, even body. Stop just behind the bead, leaving space for the thorax. Consistency in the body’s profile is key here, as it sets the stage for the fly’s overall proportions.
After wrapping the dubbing, use the rotary feature of your vise to counter-wrap the olive crystal flash over the body. Space the wraps evenly to create a segmented look. Tie off the crystal flash at the thorax and trim the excess.
5. Thorax and Wing Case
Make another dubbing loop, this time with peacock dubbing, and wrap it forward to form the thorax. The peacock dubbing adds contrast and a touch of natural iridescence.
For the wing case, tie in a piece of 1/8 inch summer duck scud backing just behind the bead. Whip finish to hold it in place, then gently stretch the scud backing over the body, ensuring it’s smooth and centered. Secure the scud backing by wrapping the 6X tippet material forward in evenly spaced turns, reinforcing the shell back and enhancing the fly’s segmented appearance.
6. Finishing Touches
To reinforce the fly, coat the thread wraps near the bead with a thin layer of UV resin and cure it with a UV light. Add another small amount of resin to the wing case for durability and a realistic shine. Once the resin is cured, trim any stray fibers for a clean finish.
The Final Result
The GTI Caddis is a lifelike imitation with a slim profile and excellent contrast. The olive dubbing body, peacock thorax, and burnt orange scud backing combine to create a pattern that trout find irresistible. Whether you fish it as a single nymph or pair it with a heavy point fly, this caddis is sure to deliver results.
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Have a great day!
Jeff Smecker
