Fuzzball

Created by Jeff Morgan

HOOK: Dai Riki 135, size 8-12 THREAD: To match body UNDERBODY: Gold mylar tinsel BODY: Black, orange, amber, or olive medium Larva Lace RIBBING: Tan, black, or gray ostrich herl WING: 2-3 strands of pearl Krystalflash HACKLE: Dark partridge THROAT: Ice-dub or ostrich herl to contrast with body HEAD: Gold bead or bead that matches body

Uses

General attractor patterns, Pupatator variations work in all seasons all around the West. See the article about them. Tied in orange, as shown here, the Fuzzball can imitate October caddis pupae.

Variations

The original Pupatator has a black body, black ostrich herl thorax, and light partidge hackle.. A CDC Pupatator uses natural dun CDC for the hackle. Other variations on the Pupatator theme are the Peacock Pupatator, Improved Pupatator, and Hizzo.

How to Fish

Dead drift near the bottom with an indicator or tight line presentation.

Tying Instructions

1. Debarb hook. Slide on bead and place hook in vise.

 
2. Tie in gold mylar tinsel.

 
3. Tie in ostrich herl.

 
4. Tie in Larvae Lace FACING FORWARD so you don't have to wrap it over itself, thus keeping the body thin. Make sure your tie-in is secure, then trim as close as you can to tie-in point. When fly is finished go back and apply a tiny drop of superglue on this point.

 
5. Advance thread to bead.

 
6. Wrap gold tinsel. Tie off and trim

 
7. Wrap Larvae Lace up to 1/8"from bead. Tie off and trim.

 
8. Wrap ostrich herl, keeping wraps in the grooves of the Larvae Lace (i.e. wrap same direction as Larva Lace). This is essential, as it protects the herl from fish teeth. If the herl is not in the grooves properly the herl will come off after ten minutes of fishing.

 
9. Tie in 2-3 strands Pearl Krystal Flash, cutting it at the length of the body.

 
10. Tie in partridge. Make 2 wraps. Tie off and trim.

 
11. Dub throat with dubbing that contrasts with the body.

 
12. Whipfinish and cement head.