A Pacific Northwest steelhead standard that has also become one of the most productive Alaska trout and char patterns. A favorite of flyfishers all over Alaska for steelhead, coho, and pink salmon too.
This classic trout pattern was originally developed in the early 1900s. It is tied with palmered hackle of two contrasting colors. The main body is tied with a dark color (traditionally brown) for high visibility by the trout looking up, with a couple turns of a light color (traditionally white) for high visibility for the angler - particularly in low light conditions.
The Elk Hair Caddis is a staple in your trout fly box. Imitating a hatching caddis fly, it can be tied in sizes 10-20 and in just about any color combination of dubbing, hackle, and wing. They may be thought of for trout, but you can also find uses for them to target smallmouth bass and panfish.