Tying the Aero Indicator Caddis

Tying the Aero Indicator Caddis

There's no doubt that fishing dry dropper on a Euro nymphing leader is a successful technique that should be added into your arsenal. However, the aerodynamics of the dry fly that you choose with this method can make a big difference in how easy or hard it is to cast.

A lot of folks have told me they struggle to cast a dry dropper with a Euro nymphing leader, especially once they have moved toward fishing micro leaders for their nymphs. If you find yourself in that bracket, I have two recommendations. First, make sure you follow the tips I outlined in this casting video. Most anglers could still use a lot of work to improve their cast, regardless of the method. Second, experiment with various dry fly styles to find one that is aerodynamic enough to cast, but will still suspend the nymph that you are using. Also note, that Goldilocks dry fly will change as you switch between different weights of nymphs and you need to be willing to change your dry fly to maintain the casting and buoyancy properties you are after.

I've played around with a lot of different dry flies over the last few years. For maximum aerodynamics, it's hard to beat a CDC dry fly with wings that are slightly or fully tilted rearward. But CDC can take some extra maintenance to keep it floating well (see this video) and a lot of anglers will sink their CDC dries easily if they mend poorly or use water load casts. 

One other option that I've used a lot is a more aerodynamic version of the Foam Front End Loader Caddis. The hackle stacker portion of the Front End Loader caddis does add extra buoyancy, and I find it enhances the fish catching qualities of the pattern. However, all that hackle at the front adds a lot of drag when casting. This makes it so that extra weight is needed in the nymph to cast a Front End Loader caddis when fishing it on a Euro nymphing leader. This is fine when I need a 2.8 mm beaded nymph for the water where I am fishing, but it becomes counterproductive in areas where I don't need as much weight or when I'm casting into a headwind. This is where the Aero Indicator Caddis fulfills a useful role. 

The Aero Indicator Caddis is tied specifically to have sufficient buoyancy, but in a style that reduces drag when casting it. It uses foam and Fulling Mill Ultra Dry Yarn to provide buoyancy and the foam bullet head shape cuts through the air better than a thorax full of hackle. The length and density of yarn can be adjusted to add or subtract buoyancy. As you might expect, if you add yarn or leave it longer for added buoyancy, the wind resistance will also increase, and the fly and rig will be harder to cast. While the Aero Indicator Caddis was designed mainly to use as an indicator and suspension device while fishing dry dropper, it has caught a lot of fish for me as well. So, I hope you tie some up. I know they will help you catch fish one way or another. 

Recipe and purchase links for this pattern:

Happy Tying and Fishing,

Devin Olsen

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