Talk to any float fisherman in the North East and they will tell you that one of the hottest baits for Winter time steelhead is a Berkley 3" hot pink trout worm.  Some say it's the color, others argue that it's the action, never the less the results are indisputable. Fly fishermen, on the other hand, have more of a challenge enticing steelhead during the dead of Winter.  Sure we make out ok, but until now I've never been able to duplicate the results of a float fisherman by using a fly during the coldest of months.  I am proud to say that all of that has changed!

By using Jelly Rope, a fly tyer can create dynamite patterns, including one very similar to the trout worm, albeit smaller.  Jelly Rope, one of today's exciting new ribbing materials, has astonishing light reflection characteristics, giving the flies a unique glow, radiating with rich color at almost any depth.

The Jelly Caddis, a very simple, easy to tie pattern has proven most effective on a variety of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie tributaries.  Most importantly it has helped even the odds between well educated float fishermen and the rest of us.  If you plan on trying your luck for steelhead during the Winter, be sure to pack a few of these!

1.  Start by attaching the thread onto the hook near the middle of the hook shank.  Don't worry about making a uniform base as it is good to leave some of the shank exposed (creates a mud line effect).



2.  Tie in a 4" section of small diameter Jelly Rope along the length of the shank.  Please note that jelly rope is round, thus making it harder to tie in then D or V shaped laces such as Larva Lace.  The round diameter also helps to create a bulkier body, which is the effect we are after in this case.  Finish with the thread back near the eye of the hook.



3.  Using tight, uniform wraps, wind the jelly rope forward over the shank of the hook until you're almost at the eye of the fly.  Secure the Jelly Rope with thread and clip the excess.  You will notice that Jelly Rope has incredible light reflection properties, giving the fly a unique glow.  The material is also semi translucent, allowing the shank of the hook to act as a mud line, giving it that realistic touch.



4.  Dub a small amount of black Hareline dubbing onto the thread and create a substantial head.  A dubbing picker can be used to pick out tiny legs during this step.  Once the head is created, whip finish and apply head cement.



If you plan of fly fishing for steelhead during the Winter this fly is a must have!  Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors of Jelly Rope such as purple (deadly on browns) as well as chartreuse. 
Tight lines!

Written By: Nick Pujic, Jan 2004
Photographs By: Nick Pujic © 2004