Channel Hopper

On 3/20/04 11:23 AM, in article ,
"Willi" wrote:

Larry L wrote:

BTW, you've got me interested with all your skitter talkG I've even tied
up some Hewitt skaters ...where's the Crane Flies when ya need em?

Although any dry pattern will work (I've even caught fish skittering
nymphs along the top) the pattern I use is a modified St Vrain Caddis. I
hackle it with about eight to ten wraps of hackle using hackle that is
undersized so the hackles tips are just barely more than the hook gap. I
tie the elk hair wing longer and slightly less dense than normal. The
length of the tail extends approximately one hook shank length beyond
the bend of the hook. This makes for a fly that really bounces around on
the surface.

After hearing your suggestions for skittering, I've tried the technique on
PA browns, with that same St. Vrain caddis. I've had them actually *chase*
the fly for three or four feet trying to get it!

Bill

William Claspy wrote:

On 3/20/04 11:23 AM, in article ,
"Willi" wrote:


Larry L wrote:


BTW, you've got me interested with all your skitter talkG I've even tied
up some Hewitt skaters ...where's the Crane Flies when ya need em?

Although any dry pattern will work (I've even caught fish skittering
nymphs along the top) the pattern I use is a modified St Vrain Caddis. I
hackle it with about eight to ten wraps of hackle using hackle that is
undersized so the hackles tips are just barely more than the hook gap. I
tie the elk hair wing longer and slightly less dense than normal. The
length of the tail extends approximately one hook shank length beyond
the bend of the hook. This makes for a fly that really bounces around on
the surface.


After hearing your suggestions for skittering, I've tried the technique on
PA browns, with that same St. Vrain caddis. I've had them actually *chase*
the fly for three or four feet trying to get it!


Cool! I'm glad to hear someone else having some success with it. It's a
fun technique. Interesting to do and the strikes are very exciting. With
all the emphasis places on dead drifting in the literature, it's hard to
remember that the insects we're imitating are alive and do move!


Willi