One of my favorite Caddis Fly Patterns is the Crippled Caddis. I will be posting soon , a recipe for this pattern that I found back in the early 1980′s at the Lords of the Fly, on Wilshire Blvd, in Westwood, CA. The following photo is a very similar pattern to that Crippled Caddis which is offered by: Peter Fishing Flies – Kenya. There are some notable exceptions…
I will show several different views of that original Crippled Caddis so that the differences are obvious. This particular original pattern accounted for many Trout on Eastern Sierra still and moving waters. I will also show an updated version of that fly with some synthetic materials incorporated into the design…
Speaking of synthetic materials. Antron and Zelon are two that find their way into many of the Caddis patterns that I tie. What follows are some links to useful information on both materials and what they are best suited for:
CRAIG MATTHEWS, Antron and Zelon:
Thought # 2. Zelon Madness
Finally, I will get around to demonstrating, in photos, how to construct Gary LaFontaines’ Emergent Sparkle Pupa and Deep Pupa – the proper proportional blending of different colors of Antron for the “all important” sheath and body. Antron for this method may be obtained from these sources…
Clear Antron – The Bookmailer
Antron Sparkle Dubbing – Colors – WAPSIFLY
Antron Dubbing – Colors – SPIRIT RIVER
These are the final Caddis and their colors:
PT/TB 
PLANETTROUT: Fly Fishing, Fly Tying and LIFE
Hey!… there’s even a row of the BH version, the DEEP sparkle p?
Hey Keith…
I sometime tie it with lead wraps and a tung bead for greater depth in fast water…
PT/TB
Was reading through the ‘flies I have tied” and noticed the mention of “Lords of the Fly” and the mention of Dave Shaffer. Dave and his brother John were guides as well as owners of the shop and for several seasons I would hire them to guide on trips for clients whom I’d take to the Arcularius Ranch. Dave and John are two of the nicest people I have met over the many years I have fished. This prompted me to call Dave at the Orvis Store in Pasadena to reconnect and ask him to pass along my regards to his brother. Had a call from John last night and spent about an hour talking about the many wonderful days at Arcularius. Once again I have your Planet Trout site to thank for great memories and a chance after about 20 years to catch up with some great friends. During the conversation with John he mentioned that he’d heard rumors that Arcularius Ranch may be opening to the public again. Do you have any knowledge of this?
Neil,
Have not heard any scuttlebutt on the reopening of the Arcularius Ranch…Boy, that would be great. I loved that place…Glad to be of assistance…
PT/TB