Overview
This episode of "Untangled" focuses on the history, versatility, and advanced fishing techniques for the Elk Hair Caddis fly, along with listener Q&A on seasonal trout behavior, fly box simplification, and detecting subtle bites.
The History of the Elk Hair Caddis
- Invented by Al Troth in 1957 on Loyal Sock Creek, Pennsylvania, originally meant to imitate emerging caddis as a wet fly.
- Discovery that the elk hair wing made it float led to its popularity as an effective dry fly.
- Gained widespread fame through Bud Lilly’s fly shop in Montana and a 1978 Fly Fisherman magazine article.
- Al Troth also created other well-known flies like the Gulper Special for Hebgen Lake’s trout.
- Troth moved to Montana, became a well-respected guide/outfitter, and remained influential until his passing in 2012.
Versatility and Techniques for the Elk Hair Caddis
- Functions as both a dry fly and an emerger without modifications.
- Can be fished by dead drifting, sinking with split shot, swinging through pools, or skittering on the surface.
- Movement during a swing or a twitch mimics natural caddis behavior, often triggering strikes.
- Adding a heavy nymph as a dropper allows for “bouncing” to mimic egg-laying caddis.
- Used effectively as a searching pattern, especially from June to October across trout waters.
Listener Q&A: Trout Behavior in Warm Water (Philip, Nevada)
- Trout migrate to cooler upper river stretches or deeper pools as lower elevations warm in late spring/summer.
- Optimal trout water temps: high 40s–low 60s °F; smallmouth bass thrive when water exceeds 69 °F.
- Trout likely inaccessible in the warm season; suggested to fish higher elevations or target smallmouth bass instead.
Listener Q&A: Downsizing Fly Boxes (Ray, Alberta)
- Most fish are caught on a core set of 15–20 patterns; unnecessary to carry all boxes every trip.
- Organizing boxes by fly type/season makes it easier to bring just what’s needed for the day.
- Creating a dedicated “day trip” box with essential flies simplifies packing and improves enjoyment.
- Adjust selection based on season and target water to avoid over-preparing.
Listener Q&A: Detecting Subtle Bites (Christopher, Arizona)
- Watch for any unnatural movement (pause, hesitation) of indicator or dry fly as a sign of a bite.
- In clear water, observe fish movement/mouth open-close as an additional cue.
- Tight line nymphing or closely monitoring the indicator increases catch rates for subtle takes.
Live Real Life Moment
- Listener Tommy shares a memorable catch after adapting techniques and setting the hook on a subtle indicator wiggle.
- Reinforces importance of attentiveness to subtle strike indications during fishing.