Dry FliesGerbec's Resting Caddis
Gerbec's Resting Caddis is a sophisticated dry fly pattern designed by Alec Gerbec to fool selective trout during caddis hatches. This pattern employs the challenging but effective Wally wing technique using mallard flank feathers to create incredibly realistic tent-shaped wings. The CDC underwing enhances the silhouette and improves floatation, while the curved hook and trimmed hackle collar ensure the fly sits low in the surface film like a natural caddis at rest.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Advanced
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases Alec Gerbec's innovative approach to caddis imitations. Gerbec, a guide with experience from Colorado rivers to Alaska lodges to the Seychelles, developed this pattern on the upper Sacramento River to fool caddis-eating trout that rejected traditional offerings. The key innovation is the Wally wing technique using soaked mallard flank feathers - the soaking process softens the center quill and makes the "peeling" technique work smoothly. The thread tag end serves as the body rib, and the natural speckling of mallard flank provides perfect color variation for imitating various caddis species.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua XC300, #10-18
Thread: Veevus 14/0, brown
Body: Superfine Dubbing, tan
Underwing: CDC, natural
Wing: Mallard Flank Feather (Wally wing)
Hackle: Rooster Saddle, grizzly
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring through fall caddis hatches. Caddis activity typically begins in April and continues through fall, with evening hatches being particularly productive.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift in smooth tailouts and glassy water where selective trout feed. The low-riding profile makes this pattern ideal for technical water where bushy caddis patterns get refused.
When to Use
Select this pattern when trout are refusing traditional high-floating caddis patterns like Elk-hair Caddis or Goddard Caddis. Most effective on educated fish in smooth, clear water during active caddis emergences.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly the slick tailouts, smooth edges, and glassy runs where selective trout feed on caddis. Excels on technical waters like spring creeks and tailwaters.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 5X-6X tippet. The delicate presentation required matches the technical water this fly excels in.
Visibility & Floatation
The CDC underwing provides excellent floatation while enhancing the realistic silhouette. The grizzly hackle collar is trimmed to allow the fly to ride low in the film. The inherent speckling of mallard flank matches natural caddis wing coloration.
