Dry FliesLeo
The Leo is a dry fly pattern designed by Joe Branham. This effective pattern combines traditional materials with proven techniques for consistent results in a variety of water conditions.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Feb 2026
Overview
Joe Branham's dry fly design emphasizes clean lines and practical functionality. The pattern features traditional materials assembled with attention to proportion and durability. Its hackle quality and body taper create reliable flotation characteristics across varied water types. The straightforward construction makes it accessible to tiers while delivering consistent performance as a searching pattern when multiple insects are present on the water.
Materials
Hook: Sprite Perfect International #16
Thread: Benecchi 12/0, grey
Hackle: Whiting Coq de Leon, dark pardo
Rib: Fine orange copper wire
Abdomen: Argentinean hare, dyed amber
Thorax: Argentinean hare, dark grey
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Adult caddis rest passively on the surface between mating flights, paddling slowly with their legs to maintain position while wings stay elevated. They drift calmly through moderate currents, presenting an easy meal for cruising fish.
Where Trout Eat It: Surface film in runs and glides where caddis accumulate during mating swarms.
How to Fish It: Dead drift with no movement, allowing the fly to float naturally through feeding lanes where trout cruise for resting adults.
Best Water: Focus on slicks and glides where surface currents slow, foam lines that concentrate floating insects, and tail-outs where spent caddis gather.
Strike Type: Subtle sips with minimal surface disturbance as fish rise confidently to stationary targets.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Use a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 5X tippet for delicate presentations. Apply floatant to the body and hackle.
Seasonal Timing: Most effective during peak feeding periods at dawn and dusk. Water temperatures between 45-65°F typically produce best results.
Pro Tips: The neutral coloration and versatile profile make this an exceptional searching pattern when you're uncertain about specific hatches. Fish it with confidence through likely water rather than only targeting visible risers - the realistic silhouette triggers opportunistic strikes from cruising trout.
Entomology
Caddisflies rest on the surface between mating flights, slowly paddling with their legs to maintain position in moderate currents while their wings remain elevated above the waterline. Fish cruise beneath the surface to inspect and sip these drifting adults because their extended float times provide leisurely feeding opportunities, and the distinctive wing profile makes them easy to identify as profitable targets.
- Order
- Trichoptera
- Common Name
- Caddisfly
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- adult