Grab a baseball cap and polarized sunglasses for fly fishing

In gin clear conditions whether you are at a lake or river, having a good pair of polarized sunglasses is a must.  Polarized sunglasses seem to be a frequent topic I talk to clients more often than not.  Fly fishing is often a visual form of angling. Success relies on the ability to read the water, finding fish, recognizing feeding activity, and presenting a fly with precision. While much of the focus is placed on rods, reels, and fly patterns, a high-quality pair of polarized sunglasses is one of the most valuable tools an angler can have on the water.

Without polarized sunglasses, the surface of the water reflects like a mirror.  You would mostly see bright reflections of the sky, clouds, trees, and surrounding landscape.  The sun glare disperses light and makes it difficult to distinguish what is happening beneath the surface of the water.  By eliminating glare from the surface, polarized lenses can help you will discover what lies beneath.  They reduce in eye fatigue with long days on the river as well as providing eye protection from the sun and bothersome flies.

The greatest advantage of polarized lenses is the ability to see the fish beneath the surface.  Polarized sunglasses will help anglers detect movement, shape, and color below the water's surface.  Being able to see fish before they see you can improve your success with approach and fly presentations.  

I spend a great deal of time reading the water before making my next cast.  Being able to see the river bottom contour provides a tremendous advantage, allowing me to identify feeding lanes, current seams, submerged rocks, and weed beds.  Looking beneath the surface offers valuable insight into how the river is structured and where trout are most likely to be holding.  With a better understanding of what lies below, a I can make a more informed presentation and increase the chances with my next cast.

Even with polarized sunglasses, it still can be challenging to see the trout.  Spotting trout is an acquired skill that improves with time, patience, and repetitive practice.  Trout are masters of camouflage, and movement is often easier to detect than the fish itself.  The trout may appear as a slight change in color, a soft shadow, or a shape that seems just a little out of place with the surrounding rocks and gravel.  Look for subtle clues that reveal a trout's presence like a brief the white of the trout's mouth as it opens to eat drifting food, the soft flick of a tail, or the light silhouette of a dorsal fin breaking the river bottom pattern.  As your observational skills improve, these subtle differences become easier to recognize, allowing you to spot trout that once went completely unnoticed.  This is when sight fishing becomes one of the most rewarding and exciting parts of fly fishing.

Having polarized sunglasses will make you that much better of an angler reducing glare and eye strain as well as seeing below the water surface, an idea of the underwater structure, and where the trout maybe holding.  Don’t forget to also grab your favorite, lucky fishing baseball cap which will also help reduce sun glare over your sunglasses. 🕶️ 🧢 A good pair of polarized sunglasses and a baseball help together enhance in searching for those trout.

See you on the river!

The Cased Caddis

A finicky rainbow trout ate my cased caddis.

The cased caddis is one of the most intriguing and dependable aquatic insects in a trout stream.  Colorado has a diverse range of caddisfly families, the order Trichoptera, with Limnephilidae, the tube-case makers being the most prevalent.  This diverse group builds case making to its uppermost development both in running water and stillwater. 

These larvae fabricate and dwell within portable casing of streamlining, structural rigidity, camouflage, internal water circulation and external water resistance protection from predators.  A cased caddis larva has a black or brown hardened capsule head, a worm-like segmented body, and six legs near the head.  Cased caddis are most often slow crawlers, clinging to rocks in riffles and runs of streams.  Larvae gather materials from their environment of fine pebbles, sand, leaf materials and bind them with silk into a cylindrical tubular shaped case and their way to anchor themselves to the stream bottom.  Unlike free-swimming caddis larvae, they stay tucked inside their case for protection from predators and current.

Natural colors of olive, gray, tans, and browns.

The tube-case makers feed and shred leaf materials, dead wood, scrap algae, and prey on other aquatic insects.  Most of the shredders dwell in headwater streams where trees canopy over water and quantities of leaves fall and sink intact.  They utilize this food form for the wood materials for the energy they derive from the associated micro-organisms, the fungi and bacteria that are consumed in the process.

For the trout, cased caddis is a year-round, high protein, sizable meal.  It is a fly pattern an angler may desire to keep in their box as another offering especially with springtime and increased flows when cased caddis are loosen and tumbling in the current.  Weight is key in hugging the bottom with fishing.  If you have not fished a cased caddis pattern, give it a try.  You just maybe surprised!

Larvae gather materials from their environment of fine pebbles, sand, leaf materials and bind them with silk into a cylindrical tubular shaped case.

When it’s time to metamorphose, they will secure their case.  As a pupate inside, they will surface thereafter as a winged adult caddisfly.  At the completion of the larval existence, the cycle progresses steadily through pupation, emergence, and egg-laying activities, creating the next generation in the streams and lakes.

Cased Caddis eat.

Thinking of Hiring a Fishing Guide?

 

Happy New Year to you! What are you thinking about that you would like to work on or improve for this new year? Is it catching more fish, improve on your casting, catch more big fish, break bad habits, etc.? I wanted to share from my friend, Mike Kreeger's run down of "Thinking of Hiring a Fishing Guide". Mike has been a good friend to me and a part of my fly fishing journey through the years. He a fishing specialist at JAX located at 900 S. Highway 287, Lafayette, CO 80026.

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There are certainly lots of things to think about and consider in hiring a fishing guide:

— Do lots of homework! Most fly shops offer guide services. Compare prices as they vary from season to season. Purchase your license beforehand. (BTW we sell lots of those!)

— Know what kind of guide you’d prefer. Are they funny and easy to talk to or stiff as a board but super smart!!? Research the guide, look at reviews and previous customer comments then decide if it’s a good fit. Comments give you a heads up and guide you to the best fit for you and/or your group. How much experience does each guide have? Do they know the river/lake that you want to fish? Do they have a “teaching spirit?” Lots to think about as you make your decision!

— Once you’ve chosen a guide, communicate early on what your expectations are. Do you want to catch a LOT of fish, one or two HUGE ones, or do you want to work to improve/learn a technique like Euro-nymphing or fishing streamers. They can also help you improve your casting if you ask.

— Where do you want to go? Is it a good season for catching or should you change destinations or time of year? Are you targeting a particular species of fish?

— How many will be in your party? Sometimes that narrows WHERE you can go i.e. some stream sections cannot handle 10+ people fishing it. Your guide will be able to suggest destinations that can accommodate a multitude of fishing folks. Rely on their experience.

— When you hire a guide, know that it is going to be expensive! That’s just how it is. It’s a day out of their life. You’re tapping into their expertise. They know the hot spots, the hot flies and the lunch that you’ll be enjoying if you book a full day. Your skills will also improve!

— Full or Half Day? The full day is the better deal, but it can be a GRIND! If you decide on the full day, is lunch provided or do you need to bring your own? If lunch is provided, it may be wise to find out in advance what is provided, making sure that it doesn’t collide with any dietary restrictions or allergies of your crew!

— Bring $$ for a tip. A guide makes on average (nationally) $20 per hour! The shop gets most of the booking fee because they have to pay rent, electricity, licenses, insurance, provide waders, wading boots, float systems, rods, flies and all of that boring stuff. The guide is very similar to your favorite restaurant’s waitstaff. Servers make $14.81 per hour. It’s not really a living wage so your tip keeps them doing this job that they LOVE. I am a GREAT tipper and $100 for a good day on the water is my average. If he/she gets me on a LOT of quality fish, it may be significantly higher. If you plan on NOT TIPPING a guide, you should sell ALL of your fishing gear and take up knitting!

— Do what the guide suggests! Be teachable. Don’t argue! (Leave your ego at home!) They’re doing what you hired them to do! If they can get you on lots of fish, you’ll be inclined to leave a better tip so they’re motivated to HELP YOU catch, catch, catch!

— Be personable! If you get along with the guide, they’re more likely to work harder to get you on the fish. You make the difference!

— Feel free to ask lots of questions. Guides are usually talkative individuals and love talking about their passion for fishing. That’s how they bond with their clients. If they have a super-speedy way of tying on flies, ask them to teach you how to do it. I usually ask if they’ll share with me a spot nearby that they like to fish. (Especially if I’m far from home! They know the good spots!)

— Make sure you make good wardrobe choices for the weather forecast. Carry extra layers. Your day will be miserable if you are unprepared for a rogue storm or if the temperature suddenly drops! Also, bring polarized sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen!

—Bring extra water or a “LifeStraw.” Check to see if the guide is bringing water for you. “Better looking AT IT than looking FOR IT!”

GUEST GUIDE OPINION: 

CAT TOY: 720-810-7732. Lives in Arvada and guides for the Blue Quill Angler in the Evergreen area! She can be reached at @cattoyflyfishing (Instagram). Cat has been a JAX customer for many years. She purchased her first fly rod here years ago. After attending a fly tying class with Troy in the Fishing department she proceeded to create her own flies like the “Cat’s Caddis Larva,” (a.k.a. Green Cheeseburger), and the “Burnt French Fry mini-leech!!”

Cat, where is your favorite place to guide? 

I love Cheeseman Canyon as it’s a beautiful and scenic tailwater on the South Platte River. It can be challenging as well as rewarding with wild trophy rainbow, brown, cutthroat trout, and “Cutbows!”

What is your favorite guide fly? 

I will often rig my clients with my flies as an attractor and catch some of the best fish! (3 of her patterns can be found at: Discountflies Online Fly Shop. Cat's Caddis Larva aka Green Cheeseburger, Cat's Burnt French Fry Leech, and Matchstick Midge.

What is your best guiding story? 

The best stories are the successful days on the river with clients surpassing their expectations leaving me smiling on my way home from the river.

Likewise, what is your WORST story? 

My worst story would be a trip with 3 brand new anglers at the “Dream Stream.” The morning was beautiful, but the flows were quite low. Sight fishing was good in the pockets and pools. Two of the three caught fish “early on” but then the wind rushed in (about 40 mph) right after lunch. The changing conditions caused lines getting knotted, tangled and the casting became difficult, as you can imagine! Changes in weather are beyond the control of the guide and fishing outcomes VARY regardless of skill level.

What is your favorite thing about JAX? 

My fly fishing adventure started at JAX. It is a great store where you can get everything you need to launch your own fly fishing story. I especially love the $1.19 flies and it is still one of my favorite stores to shop for fishing necessities and fly tying materials!

 Blue Quill Angler: 303-674-4700

This information leaflet is also available at JAX.

See you on the river!

Events Calendar 2026!

The 2026 Calendar of Events to look forward to!  An ongoing calendar, and I will update as events move closer.

Happy New Year as it kicks off with, join me at:

Rocky Mountain Flycasters NOCO Fishing Expo26

5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, Colorado

March 28th, 2026

Over 30 Exhibitors: Exhibitors including Local Fly Shops, RMFTU's conservation and education programs, Local Watershed Coalitions, Fishing Equipment Suppliers, Fishing Outfitters, and more...

Fly Tying Demonstrations - 25 well know expert tyers, plus Kids, Tie a Fly table

Spotlight Fly Tyer Demonstrations: Pat Dorsey, Rick Takahashi, and Marty Staab

Prize Drawings/Silent and Live Auctions for fly gear and trips. New and Lightly Used.

Expert Speakers - Including well known guides, fly tyers, authors, filmmakers; Pat Dorsey, Jeramie Prine, Braker Bros

Lots of fun for kids - Tie a fly, Lawn Trout casting game, Kids, Tie a Fly table, live stream bugs!  Casting Demonstrations & Games

RMFTU-branded merchandize for sale

Your ticket includes a FREE "Trout Hero" mesh bag to help keep our streams clean, (While supplies last)

Vintage and Classic Rods, Reels, and Memorabilia, presented by nationally known Antique Dealer and Author, John Sollo

Llama Packing Service with Live Llamas, (In the Afternoon, Weather Permitting)

Event Admission:

Adults: $10 on-line in advance or $20 on the day of the event

Families: $20 on-line in advance or $30 on the day of the event (1 or 2 Adults + Children)

Teens, Military, Veterans, and First Responders: $5 on-line in advance or $10 on the day of the event

Age 12 and under and Disabled are FREE, Free Parking

Anglers All

March 21st, 2026, Saturday

Women's Featured Fly Tyers

Join us with some of the coolest women fly tyers in Colorado!  Visit with some women owned companies, raffle prizes, coffee, donuts, and learn some tips and tricks for your fishing with these ladies!

A LAST MINUTE ADD:  

Join me this Saturday, March 14th at the Ascent Fly Shop 10143 W Chatfield Ave, Littleton, CO 80127 9:30am to 12:30pm for a FREE Fly Tying Seminar, Cat Toy.

Cat is a passionate fly angler, professional guide, and innovative fly designer whose deep connection to the outdoors has shaped both her life and career. As a professional guide with Blue Quill Angler, she shares her expertise and enthusiasm with anglers exploring the legendary rivers and streams of Colorado.

Fly fishing for Cat is more than a sport, it is a form art. Through fly tying, she blends creativity and precision to craft intricate patterns designed to entice trout in some of the most scenic fisheries in the Rocky Mountains. Her work as a fly designer with Discountflies.com has produced several successful patterns, including Cat’s Caddis Larva aka “Green Cheeseburger,” the Burnt French Fry Mini Leech, Matchstick Midge, Matchstick Emerger, and the Applet Midge.  She will be sharing some of her other favorite fly patterns alluring trout. 

Through guiding, fly design, and community involvement, Cat continues to inspire anglers while sharing her artistry and passion for fly fishing across the rivers and waters she calls home.

Coffee, donuts, and trout flies!

West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Clinic

The 2026 West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Clinic is taking place on March 7, 2026, featuring a bucket raffle, fantasy raffle, silent auction, and more!  The Learn to Tie section caters to both beginners and experienced fly tyers seeking expert guidance. For the second consecutive year, the Build a Box promotion offers attendees the chance to create their own personalized fly box with masterfully crafted flies. With face-to-face interaction with lots of Colorado’s top fly tyers, this event is a must-attend for fly fishing enthusiasts. An entry fee applies, and hand-tied flies can be purchased using coupons sold in support of West Denver Trout Unlimited. A package of 25 coupon tickets is available for $20.

The event will run from 9am to 3pm at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 West 6th Avenue, Golden, Colorado 80401.

Admission prices are set at $20 for adults and teens, $30 for families of three or more, with complimentary admission for active military personnel and children under 12 years old.

I hope you may join us in this amazing event!

Looking forward to tying at the Denver The Fly Fishing Show February 6, 7, & 8, 2026 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019

Friday: 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm

Tickets for the show can be purchased in advance online or at the door (cash only).

Adult One-Day Pass: $20
Adult Two-Day Pass: $35
Adult Three-Day Pass: $45
Children 5 & Under: Free
Children 6-12: $5
Military with ID: $12

Join us at the show, visit the many great fly tyers and stop at table #12
Cat Toy
Mike Myers
Michael Burgess

Lots of amazing events, fly tying, fishing products, casting classes, seminars, and a huge range of exhibitors showcasing their latest and greatest.

January 31st, 2026, Saturday for the St. Vrain Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Expo, Longmont, Colorado.

Join me and more than 30 incredible fly tyers fly tying at the St. Vrain Anglers Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Expo this coming Saturday, January 31st, 12:30p-430p at the Moose Lodge 1548 - Pratt St, Longmont, Colorado!

An amazing variety of fly patterns being tied, watch and learn firsthand, techniques, tips behind these fly tyers most effective flies. Stop by, say hello, let’s talk about winter/spring fishing and tactics to help you catch fish!

January 24th, 2026, Saturday, Blue Quill Angler Fly Tying Demo, Evergreen, CO

Join me for a fly tying demonstration for some of my own fish catching flies and favorites to fish this winter at the Blue Quill Angler.  The Blue Quill Angler fly shop is located 1532 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen, Colorado 80439.

Time: 10:00am to 11:30am

January 9-11th, 2026, International Sportsmen's Expo, Denver. CO

I will be fly tying on January 10th, 2026, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm with a fantastic group of fly tyers!  Stop by, say hello, and let's talk winter fishing.

Colorado Convention Center is 700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202, located in downtown Denver, with common entrances off 14th Street between Stout and California Street.

Join us at the International Sportsmen's Expo (ISE) for some fly tying and camaraderie with one of the largest outdoor shows for the outdoor enthusiasts with hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and adventure travel, featuring gear, expert seminars, trip planning, and exhibits from lodges, outfitters, conservation groups, and manufacturers across the U.S. offering a chance to see new products, learn a few new skills, and book some adventures.

February 6 - 8th, 2026, Denver Fly Fishing Show, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, CO

(Updated information to come!)

March 7th, 2026, West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Clinic, Golden, CO

(Updated information to come!)

March 21st, 2026, Anglers All, Women's Showcase, Littleton, CO

(Updated information to come!)

March 28th, 2026, Rocky Mountain Flycasters Fly Tying Expo, Loveland, CO

(Updated information to come!)

June 27th, 2026, Saturday Troutfest, Coors Field, Denver, CO

(Updated information to come!)

Fall and the Leaves

When leaves change colors in the fall, it’s the result of a gorgeous transition of biology, composition, and seasonal timing.  The shimmering and brilliance of fall colors may vary dramatically from year to year.  Variations depends on a mixture of weather, light, and tree health.

In the spring and summer, leaves are green because they are packed with chlorophyll, the pigment plants use to capture sunlight for photosynthesis.  Photosynthesis is the process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy.  Chlorophyll is consistently being produced and broken down, as long as the days are warm and extended, the green color dominates.  Chlorophyll conceals other pigments that are present in the leaf including yellow and orange carotenoids.

Deer ignoring the colors.

When autumn approaches, the daylight hours are shorter and chilly temperatures alert the tree the anticipation of winter. The tree begins to dwindle down its food-making system.  As chlorophyll declines, the other pigments in the leaf become prominent.  Chlorophyll breaks down first because it requires energy and sunlight to stay active.  When chlorophyll fades, the yellow and orange carotenoid pigments that exists in the leaf become distinguishable.

In some trees such as dogwoods and maples, the sugar in leaves become trapped.  These sugars react to light and form anthocyanins, which produce brilliant, fire reds, pink, and purple hues.  The potency of red colors rely on the temperatures and sunlight.  Sunny days and cooler evenings but not freezing produces the radiant reds.

Fall at the creek's edge.

As autumn progresses, a separation layer develops at the base of the leaf stem cutting off water and nutrients.  The leaf dries, falls to the ground, and changes to brown due to tannins.  The tree loosing its leaves to help conserve energy through the winter.  Fall colors really are trees slowly shutting down, unveiling the hidden pigments, and preparing for dormacy.  To survive winter, trees enter a dormant state, dropping leaves to conserve water and energy, converting starches to sugars for protection against freezing temperatures, and fortifying their bark for insulation.

Red and oranges hues of the aspens in the mountains

As temperatures decline during morning and evening periods, fish migrate to deeper pools and runs where insect activity decreases. The eggs of mayflies and stoneflies lie dorminate in the egg stage.  Winter is coming.  See you on the river.

Eggs of mayflies and stoneflies lie dormant.

 

Cat's Caddis Larva, aka Green Cheeseburger

Endorsement for the “Cheeseburger” Caddis Larvae, by Cat Toy

As someone who’s been fly fishing Colorado’s waters for over 50 years, I’ve seen a lot of patterns come and go—but the Cheeseburger caddis larvae from Cat Toy is in a league of its own. This fly is flat-out the best I’ve ever used. It has that rare combination of innovation and irresistible effectiveness. I love fishing it—but more importantly, the fish love it even more. Whether you’re on a pressured tailwater or a backcountry creek, the Cheeseburger gets results.

George Pollack

Fly Fishing Colorado for 50+ Years

The Green Cheeseburger.

The caddis larva is the immature stage of an aquatic insect in the order Trichoptera.   The larval stage is the longest, lasting months to over a year, depending on species.  Larvae are worm-like, with a hardened head capsule and strong mandibles.  The caddis larva has a soft-bodied, usually olive-green, cream, caddis green, and tan.  They have a dark head capsule with strong mandibles and six legs near the front.

They are found in our rivers, creeks, streams, and lakes, especially in clean, oxygen-rich waters.

Cat's Caddis Larva.

This deadly effective caddis larvae is a food source year-round to trout especially in the spring and summer months when larvae are more active.  Cast into the riffles, runs, and pocket water, where natural caddis larvae are most abundant.  Fish it down near the bottom, dead drift to imitate a natural tumbling larva.

Buttery brownie fooled by an olive Green Cheeseburger.

Thank you, George, as I wanted to share his wonderful endorsement of gratitude for my Cat's Caddis Larva available at Discount Flies!  Or, send me an email at cattoy.flyfish@gmail.com for ordering and tied from me personally!  $3 each, or purchase a dozen for $36.  I tie them on Togens 3x Heavy Scud hook to bring in those powerful, big fish.  Colors available are olive, caddis green, sand, and chartreuse.

Fishing in the creeks with great success!

See you on the river!

The Salmon Fly

Every spring across the trout-laden rivers of the American West, something spectacular happens. As runoff begins to subside and the days stretch longer, an enormous insect emerges from the cobbled riverbeds.  The Salmonfly—Pteronarcys californica, a massive, prehistoric-looking stonefly that ignites the water with life and draws trout to the surface with a reckless hunger.

The Salmonfly is a species of giant stonefly in the order Plecoptera. They grow up to 3 inches long, being one of the largest aquatic insects in North America. Adults are typically dark brown to black with vivid orange or rust-colored markings on the underside.

Pteronarcys californica

 These insects are indicators of pristine river systems, and they require cold, clean, well-oxygenated water to survive. You can find them in rivers like the Colorado, Henry's Fork, Deschutes, Madison, and the Gunnison to name a few.

The Salmonfly’s has a long-life cycle. The nymph stage can last up to 3 to 4 years, the nymph lives beneath the surface, crawling among stones and river bottom debris. They feed on organic matter and slowly mature. As water temperatures climb in late spring, nymphs begin migrating toward the riverbanks in preparation for emergence. During this time, trout will feast on these vulnerable nymphs. At night or early morning, nymphs will crawl out of the water onto rocks, logs, or grasses and split their exoskeletons to become winged adults.

The Salmonfly are massive in size.

Adult Salmonflies have a short terrestrial life of just a week or two. They fly awkwardly, mate, and females return to the river to drop eggs, slapping the water surface and are often easy targets for trout.

For fly fishermen, the Salmonfly hatch is of legend. It is an incredible time of the most explosive dry fly fishing of the year. Witnessing a big trout suddenly rise with abandon and crashing through the water surface to devour these Salmonflies is extraordinary! Timing is everything. The hatch typically runs from mid-May to early July, depending on location, altitude, and weather. Rivers warm from the bottom up, so anglers often follow the hatch upstream over days or weeks.

Dead drifts close to banks, under overhangs, or near logs often draw violent takes from trout lurking for an easy, high-protein snack. If you haven’t experienced this unbelievable kind of dry fly fishing, put it on your fishing agenda to seek and fish it!  See you on the river!

A New Fishing Season!

Manhattan Midge.

Spring is well underway, but the fly tying and prep is always ongoing.  This blog is of fly tying and fly patterns I have been tying for myself, guide trips, and fellow anglers wanting these flies to fish.  I will share some of the many fly ties and some highlights of when and how to fish these patterns.  Some are of my signature designed fly patterns as well as many featured known tiers and their fly patterns. I will keep adding to this blog with fly patterns.  Enjoy and share your thoughts. 

Simple Quill Midge.

The Simple Quill Midge. Cruise by once, eat on the return!  This fly pattern seems to turn heads under some of the harder fishing conditions, but often very productive fished in the springtime.

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Hook:  Togens 3x heavy scud size 20

Thread:  Semperfli Nano Silk 12/0 black

Body: Hand Stripped Quill natural

Wing case: Fluoro filaments clear

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Scissors: Anadromous Fly Company Arrow point straight 4” orange

Manhattan Midge in purple.

Forrest Dorsey’s Manhattan Midge, a true pleaser in the tailwaters as the days are warming up.  There is an absolute mind-boggling phenomenon with the draw of purple to trout.  It seems when the trout want purple, that is all you fish!  This beautiful fly pattern stirs lots of trout particularly in the spring and summer time fishing.

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Hook: Togens 3x heavy scud hook size 20

Bead: Glass small

Thread: UNI-Thread 8/0 purple

Ribbing: UTC Ultra Wire x-small copper

Wing: Fluoro Filaments clear

Thorax: Peacock herl

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company Razor 4” Titanium Rainbow

Rojo Midge.

Another favorite midge pupa, Greg Garcia’s, Rojo Midge. Amazing fly pattern that is alluring to the trout with the red glass bead, gill tuft, and the contrast of red and copper ribbing.  A favorite in the S. Platte River particularly in Deckers and Cheesman Canyon.

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Hook:  Togens Curved Nymph 2x size 18

Thread: UNI-Thread 8/0 Mahogony

Bead: Small red glass bead

Gill: Fluoro Filaments clear

Ribbing: Ultra wire small copper

Collar: Peacock herl

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company Razor 4” Titanium rainbow

Pale Ale Midge.

One of my favorite winter/spring larvae, Juan Ramirez's Pale Ale Midge.  These simple larvae have won the trout on some of the colder winter days as well as moving into springtime.  

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Hook:  Togens Curved nymph 2x barbless, size 18

Thread: UTI-Thread 8/0 Lt. Cahill

Ribbing: Slim Rib, clear

Back: BIC permanent marker, Honey brown

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company Arrow point curved 4” chartreuse green

Burnt French Fry Mini Leech.

This Burnt French Fry mini leech is absolute magic when the trout are keying in on leeches or larger meals in the rivers, creeks, and lakes.  I always say, if you haven't fished a leech, you really should!  Leeches exist in lots of rivers, lakes, streams, and creeks.  They are nocturnal and best fished early morning, sunset, or overcast days, as well as having success during the day.  Leeches are quite prevalent usually in the spring, summer, and fall times of the year.  

Hook: Togens Heavy 3X Scud hook sizes 14, 16, 18, and 20

Thread:  UNI-Thread 8/0 black

Segmentation/flash:  Flashabou iridescent pearl extra limp

Abdomen: Pine Squirrel crawdad orange

Head: Synthetic Peacock Herl

UV: Solarez Bone Dry

Matchstick Midge.

The Matchstick Midge is one of my designed midges I duplicated fishing the S. Platte River here in Colorado.  A year-round midge often fished deep in the water column.  A simple midge that fishes well in the tailwaters.  I could not believe how many fish I caught in the San Juan River in New Mexico on this midge!

Hook:  Togens 3X Scud Heavy hook

Body:  UNI-Thread 8/0 Tan

Segmentation: UTC Wire hot orange small

Head:  UNI-Thread 8/0 Mahogany

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Paisy Midge.

I call it, the Paisy Midge. A chironomid in size 20 on Togens 3x Scud hook, tied with Semperfli Nano Silk 30D 18/0 olive thread, UTC Ultra silver wire small, head with UTC waxed thread 12/0 brown.  Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company Razor titanium rainbow scissors for the precision cut.  UV Resin: Solarez Bone Dry clear.  This another favorite midge that fishes well in the spring, summer and fall.

Hook:  Togens 3X Heavy Scud hook size 20

Thread: Nano Silk waxed 18/0 olive

Ribbing:  UTC Ultra Wire small silver

Head: Waxed 12/0 brown

UV Solarez Bone Dry

Mercury Blood Midge in red and black.

The Mercury Blood Midge is a favorite winter midge to fish. It mimics a blood worm larva that are prevalent in our rivers.  One of Pat Dorsey's magnificent fly patterns.  A favorite spring and summer pattern trout cannot resist.  A very easy tie and crazy effective!

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Hook:  Curved nymph 2x size 18

Bead: Clear silver lined glass small

Thread: Uni-thread 8/0 red

Rib: Ultra wire gold, small

Thorax: peacock herl

Scissors:  Arrow point 4” straight orange

The Orange Scud.

I have been studying scuds for some time. Scuds are a staple food for the trout in the tailwaters. When scuds die at the end of their lifecycle, they turn bright orange in color. This makes for a very easy meal for the trout high in protein.  Successfully fished in the summer and fall months, when the trout are focused on the scuds, hang on!!

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Hook:  3X heavy scud hook size 16

Thread: UNI-thread 8/0 fluoro orange

Head/tail: Antron yarn, burnt orange

Body: Ice dub orange

Rib: gold wire extra small

Back: Scud back 1/8” clear

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company Razor 4” titanium rainbow

Paisy pupa midge (Photo coming soon)

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Hook:  3x scud heavy, size 20

Thread:  Nano Silk 18/0, olive

Ribbing: UTC Ultra wire small, silver

Gils: J Fair Ultra fine flash, pearlescent

Head: Semperfli waxed 12/0, brown

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Scissor:  Anadromous Fly Company Titanium coated spring 4.5” curved

Miracle Midge.

It’s a Miracle Midge that does the trick! Stay warm!  One of my go to midge patterns in the wintertime when fishing is tough, a size 22 or 24 Miracle Midge seems to do the trick!  Also, a favorite in the springtime.

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Hook: Togens 3x scud heavy, size 20

Thread: Uni-Thread 8/0 white

Segmentation: Ultra Wire X-small copper

Head:  Nano Silk 12/0 black

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company TC arrow point curved 3.5” orange

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Bling Midge.

Bling midges are a great midge in the tail waters especially winter. I will often fish it deep as my last trailing midge. My kind of bling.🎣 This simple midge pattern is a fish catcher imitates a midge larva and a winner especially when the trout are keying on midges.

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Hook:  Scud 3X heavy, size 20

Thread: UTC Ultra thread 70 Cream

Gil: Flashabou extra limp

Head:  Nano Silk 18/0

UV:  Bone Dry

Scissors: Razor 4” Titanium rainbow

Black Beauty Midge.

Pat Dorsey's Black Beauty Midge size 24 that can fool a lot of big bucks!  This simple year-round midge pattern has put more fish in my net than any other midge pattern!  One of the easiest midge patterns you must tie and always have some in your box!

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Hook:  Togens Dry Fly size 24

Thread:  Nano silk 30D 18/0 black

Segmentation: Danville fine wire gold

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly CompanyTitanium Coated spring 4.5 straight.

No Mercy Midge.

One of my favorites very effective midge, Phil Iwane's No Mercy Midge. The blend of camel and silver looks like trout champagne.🍾 Happy New Year!  A favorite year-round pattern I often will fish in all of our beloved tail waters.  The CDC tuft movement in the water and the flash of the wire segmentation on the camel is irresistible to the trout!

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Hook:  Togens Scud 3x Heavy, size 20

Thread: Uni-Thread 8/0W, camel

Segmentation: UTC Ultra Wire small, silver

Head:  Nano Silk 30D 18/0, black

Gil: Cul De Canard Tuft, white

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company TC Arrow Point curved 4” chartreuse green

The Anneworm.

Tyler Boroff's Anneworm, red annelid. Red candy for the trout!  When the trout are keying on the red bloodworm, the trout will hit this annelid hard!  

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Hook:  Togens Curved nymph 2x long length size 12

Thread: Glo-Brite 

UV:  Solarez Thin, Hard formula

 Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company Titanium Coated Spring Scissors, curved

Foamie Homie Midge.

Tyler Boroff's Foamie Homie, some true trout slayers.

Hook:  Togens Scud 3x heavy hook, size 20

Body thread:  Semperfli Nano silk 18/0 30D brown

Ribbing: Danville’s Fine wire, gold

Flash: Flashabou Magnum pearl

UV:  Solarez Bone dry

Head:  Nano silk 18/0 30D black

Wing: Evazote foam 1/8” white

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company Razor 4” titanium rainbow

Cat's Caddis Larva aka Green Cheeseburger.

Cat’s Caddis Larva with a little Christmas spice

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Hook:  Togens Scud 3x heavy hook size 16

Thread:  Semperfli Nano silk 30D, black

Segmentation: UTC Ultra wire silver small

Body:  EZ Magic dubbing, olive

Head:  Semperfli Straggle Legs black

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry, black

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company Razor 5” Titanium blue

The Holo Midge.

Spring is so near! The Holo Midge is a flashy fly pattern an absolute winner in the rivers! In the drift hard to miss, sure to get smashed!

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Hook:  Togens 3x Heavy Scud hook size 20

Bead: Glass small

Thread:  Semperfli Nano Silk black

Body: Holo Tinsel medium pink

Ribbing: UTC Ultra Wire silver small

Wing case: Fluoro filaments clear

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly CompanyTitanium 4” Razor rainbow

Matchstick Emerger.

The Matchstick Emerger, an emerger that has trout saying yes!

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Hook:  Togens Scud 3X heavy size 20

Thread: UNI-Thread 8/0 tan

Segmentation: Ultra Wire small hot orange

Head: UNI-Thread 8/0 mahogany

Wing:  Evazote foam white

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company 4” Tungsten Carbide Razor Titanium Coated

TF Midge.

When winter fishing gets tough, I’ve had great success fishing the TF midge. The quill segmentation along with the fluoro filaments are an amazing attention combo for those picky fish.

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Hook:  Togens 3x heavy scud hook size 20

Thread:  SemperfliNano silk 12/0 black

Body: Hand stripped Quill olive

Wing case: Fluoro Filaments clear

UV:  Solarez Bone Dry

Scissors:  Anadromous Fly Company Titanium coated spring curved

Pink Scud.

Will some trout be my Valentine? Pink scuds, hand tied with love.💕

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Hook:  Togens 3x heavy scud hook size 16

Thread:  Textreme Standard 6/0 fluoro pink

Head/tail: Ice dubbing hot pink

Body dub: Ice dubbing hot pink

Rib: Ultra Wire X small gold

Back: Scud back 1/8” clear

Scissors:  Andromous Fly Company Titanium coated spring curved

(Photo coming soon)

The Smokejumper is midge pupae with a translucent appearance with its silver wire ribbed body. When the pupae emerge, they propel themselves up through the water column using a small bubble of gas to reach the surface from its nymphal state to become a winged adult.

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Hook:  Togens 3x Heavy scud hook size 16

Thread: Uni-Thread 6/0W, olive

Rib: Ultra wire small silver

Wing case: CDC puff, natural

Thorax: Peacock herl