May 16 2008
Fly Day- Friday: Dr. C
The Damn-Real Caddis, or Dr. C, is not only a very physically attracting nymph, but it is also very effective. Caddis nymphs are one of the most interesting larvae due to their unique style of housing and source of camouflage.
When I was six years old, my brothers and I were catching crayfish behind our house. When searching the riverbed, we found what we thought to be possessed dirt and sticks, walking along the bottom of the river. After having built up the nerves to catch these mind-boggling moving stones, we quickly brought them to my dad to inquire as to their origin; that is when I first discovered the Caddis nymph. Caddis nymphs, after they hatch from eggs along the riverbed, begin to secrete a liquid from their bodies that is much like concrete. When they have secreted a sufficient amount of liquid to coat their bodies, they roll along the riverbed, concreting to them small stones, sand, and even sticks, depending on the surroundings in which they lay. Their coating of terrain acts as camouflage that keeps these vulnerable nymphs safe from hungry predators. This is the stage of the fly that is being mimicked by this specific pattern.
Because of the weight, and density of the nymph, the fisherman can utilize pretty much any cast which they desire. Regardless of the cast, there are two key methods that can be used when fishing the Dr, C, as well as most other nymphs: the Dead Drift method, and the Line Tight method. Both which I have discussed in past blogs.
If you are looking to catch fish, which every fisherman is, this is the perfect fly for you!
This past week I spent time scouting out, and fishing, a local pond here in northeastern Connecticut. It was my first time fishing this specific body of water, so I met up with the owner of the property to discuss the ins and outs of fishing there. After a few minutes of conversation, he began to tell me about the drop in fish population due to a spike in the growth of Duckweed on the surface of the pond. He told me that a year ago the pond faced a large fish-kill resulting from a thick layer of Duckweed that was draining oxygen from the water.
Although I enjoy the reliability and strength of my modern graphite, Pfueger rod, there tends to be a great joy in casting my grandfather’s handcrafted split bamboo rod. The rod is a ten and a half foot bamboo rod that he acquired long before I was born. My grandfather passed away before I was old enough to really remember him. Although this is true, there is a certain connection that can be made, and a certain joy that can be found in knowing that I am casting the same rod that he too caught numerous fish on. Through this, it makes it possible to, although living in different times, share something with my grandfather.