Dry FliesHenryville Special
The Henryville Special is a classic caddis imitation created in the 1930s by Hiram Brobst for use on the Henryville section of Broadhead Creek in the Pocono Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania. This versatile pattern combines a palmered grizzly hackle abdomen with tent-style mallard wings and a wood duck underwing, creating a realistic caddis silhouette that has fooled trout for nearly a century.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
Created by Hiram Brobst specifically for the limestone-influenced waters of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, the Henryville Special remains one of the most effective caddis patterns ever designed. The grizzly hackle palmered over the abdomen is trimmed on top to allow the mallard wings to lay flat, creating the distinctive tent-wing silhouette of a natural caddis. While olive floss was traditionally used for the abdomen, modern tiers often prefer Superfine dubbing for its durability and easier application.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: 1X-long dry-fly hook (Dai-Riki #300 or similar), #12–#16
Thread: Black, 6/0 or 70 denier
Abdomen Hackle: Grizzly, sized to hook or one size smaller
Abdomen: Olive Superfine dry-fly dubbing
Underwing: Wood duck flank feather fibers
Wing: Mallard primary feather slips, matched pair
Hackle: Brown or ginger
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective throughout the caddis season from spring through fall. Particularly productive during the major caddis hatches of late spring and early summer when trout become keyed in on these insects.
Presentation
This pattern excels with multiple presentation styles. Fish it as a traditional dead-drift dry fly, skitter it across the surface to imitate egg-laying caddis, or deliberately drag it under and swing it like a wet fly. All methods produce fish.
When to Use
Best during active caddis hatches or when trout are feeding on adult caddis. The tent-wing silhouette makes it effective even when fish are selective. Also works as a searching pattern on freestone streams with healthy caddis populations.
Water Type
Originally designed for Pennsylvania limestone streams, but effective on any water with caddis. Works well in riffles, runs, and pocket water where caddis are abundant. The palmered hackle provides good flotation in broken water.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X tippet. For skating presentations, use a slightly shorter, stiffer leader. When swinging wet, consider dropping to 3X for added strength when fish hit on the swing.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a high-floating dry fly with excellent buoyancy from the palmered grizzly hackle. The dark mallard wings provide good visibility against the water. Apply floatant to the hackle but keep the wing dry for a natural silhouette.
