Today’s Tie Talk bug comes to us courtesy of flyrecipes.com and my friend Jay Zimmerman, who developed the Clown Shoe Caddis for my local stream here in Boulder–this is also a great caddis imitation to use anywhere.
Jay says, “The fly is super buoyant, highly visible and easy to tie. It’s commonly used as a mule to carry large dropper nymphs. Fly fishing guides love this fly too, as it is very easy for clients to see. It’s a killer fly during the Mothers Day Caddis Hatch too!”
If you can’t bring yourself to tie it, Umpqua Feather Merchants started producing it commercially a few years ago and should be carried by most local fly shops that bring in Umpqua products.
Click here to see the step-by-step photo instructions for tying this fly.