In writing up the detailed information on the Blue River in Colorado and researching the Dillon Reservoir, I can not help but mention the Elk Hair Caddis fly which was invented by Al Troth. Al is a very famous Montana guide and fly tier who lives in Dillon, Colorado. Click here to hear from Al via Youtube.
Al’s invention, the Elk Hair Caddis, is arguably the most famous of all caddisfly patterns available. The Elk Hair Caddis will come up in almost any general discussion of flies. When presented properly as Al explains in the video, they can be effective.
The Elk Hair Caddis in hook sizes 14 through 18 will work in most flowing waters, but it will work better in the faster flowing waters than it does in the moderate flowing waters. It is, of course, a generic fly in that it is intended to represent any caddisfly. We at Trout University have decided to imitate the real caddisfly a little better by imitating the particular species of caddisfly, for example we sell the Little Black Caddis Adult. On the Blue River in Colorado, the Little Black Caddis will start to hatch about mid April or a little later. Check it out on the Hatch Chart. Learn more about fly fishing with the Little Black Caddis Adult including the the life cycle and the best presentation.
Why do we do that you might say when the Elk Hair Caddis is so popular? The answer is that while the Elk Hair Caddis does fool plenty of fish in fast water if presented properly. However, specific imitation will give the angler a slight edge allowing for more trout to be taken in the faster water, or perhaps with a less than perfect presentation. So why not give yourself a better chance?