Tom Thumb Dry Freshwater Hook : Mustad #18 or smaller should suite, but a larger ty emulates a caddis emerger. Thread : Olive green floss (or variation colors). Body : Built up from thread only (very fine dub could be utilised). Head : Floss and head cement. Tail : Scanfil metalic thread (avail from Spotlight ) or feather fibres. Wings : Hi vis and metallic thread as a post for parachute hackle. Hackle : Grizzly cock hackle (smallest on cape). .
Tying Instructions Tie on Olive thread and wind around to about 1/2 way on bend of hook. Cut a section of Metallic thread and fold in two - Tie in half way around bend so two tail fiber's hank at a 30deg down angle. Next draw threads to ward eye and tie over with Floss to from a slim body. Hold Metallic threads vertically at 2 X eye widths back from eye and tie a few turns of floss in front and half hitch. Next take a small bunch of Hi Vis lay forward toward eye and tie in close to Metallic thread (on hook bend side). Wind Floss in front of "Post and lay a bed of three or so layers between post and eye (this enables Hackle to lie in correct plane)". Select very small Cock Hackle, strip downy fiber's and lay froward (over eye) tie in both behind and in front of Post Trim on bend side and cover with Floss forming a thorax (fine dubbing or a Peacock herl may be added here (on hook bend side of Post). Next wind Hackle around Post firmly four or so turns and hold final tip toward bend. At a 45deg angle bring Floss through fiber's and tie down hackle with 3 loops- Pinch or cut off slight hackle end . Tie (again at an angle to avoid fiber's) Floss front and build slight head and whip finish. Cement at both the Head and behind post where hackle was tied for a resilient fly.
Fly Notes This is a small variant on Hans Van Klinken's mighty ""Klinkhamer Special"" originally mastered to emulate the Caddis emerger for fast water applications (tied up to a #6! ). His site can be accessed at http://www.van-klinken.demon.nl/ including full discourse on this interesting fly. The high Vis should help those with average eyesight (particularly in the evening or at distance) the semi submerged demeanor should goad a Midge feeder into a strike, particularly the cagey old Browns finishing up their evening feed with a late Midge breakfast. The olive thread can be substituted for any color - tan, red, brown or black, as can the hackle.
Fishing Notes Cast carefully above midge feeder and allow to drift or wait to ambush Trout- strike as Trout turns back down. May also be fished in a riffle as a small Caddis grub imitation. Targeted species, Browns in particular.
Location Notes Either Lakes or streams.
Prey Notes I have spotted large Browns casually gulping at what appeared to be drowned midges in surface film early morning. This fly would fit right in with the bunch.
Tier Bill Rendall

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