LaFontaine Sparkle Pupa (SwittersB)
Caddis patterns are fun to fish because the take is often aggressive. Whether you are swinging a pupa pattern along bottom or swinging it up toward the surface, the takes are solid. Fish often leap out of the water on lakes in pursuit of emerging (escaping) Caddis. But, another consideration is female Caddis returning to the surface and diving down to lay eggs. This diving (sinking) presentation is less often considered, but has been successful for me on lakes. I have seen feeding activity and mistaken it for feeding upon emerging adults. Rising or Diving, the Pupa like patterns are a good offering. Even a dry (Elk Hair Caddis/Hairwing patterns) pulled under can serve in a pinch with a bit of shot (if allowed) a foot or so above the fly, or with a sinking line, or a heavier bead head nymph above the Caddis pattern. Many of the Caddis Pupa/Bead Head Pupa patterns, one sees these days, will suffice for this presentation. Check Google Images (or Scroogle Images-less selection-if you are a rebel) for patterns and see the variety of tying options. Bright greens are attractive, as depicted here, but earth tones are always a good bet.
Bead Head Pupa (SwittersB)
the sparkle pupa is awesome…. Love it’s fat body… only lake pattern or can it be fished on streams and rivers?
Actually the Sparkle Pupa and Emerger Sparkle Pupa were a river pattern from the late, innovative, Gary LaFontaine of Montana. The pattern is easily adaptable to lakes and rivers. The bubble shroud is suggestive of a gas bubble for a rapidly rising caddis. Although I suggest a diving caddis, the Sparkle Pupa is best used as a rapidly rising rocket. The second pupa pattern is (bottom) is a great diving or rising pupa pattern and a touch easier to tie for the beginner.