Several years ago, I took Jeff Stanifer on fishing on what had just become the Catch and Release section of the Little Elkhart River. Jeff is an accomplished fly tier and competition fly fisherman, and Jeff shined that day taking several trout out of runs and holes that I would, at the time, never think of fishing. Jeff introduced me to two things on that short outing that have forever changed my fly fishing experience. The first was using European nymphing techniques, the second was the use of “hot spots” on fly patterns. Hot spots are simply using a band of bright color, such as hot pink, red, chartreuse, or orange, on your fly to entice a trout to strike.
Over the next winter, I researched European techniques and flies like it was my job. I tied several different Czech style nymphs based on the masters like Jan Simon, Vladi Trzebunia, and American Lance Egan. Egan’s famous “Frenchie” became the inspiration for the original Dutchie. From the first time I used the Dutchie, I knew I had something special! I have probably caught more fish on this pattern than any other over the past five years. I tie it from a size 10 to a size 18, and fish it several different ways. A great presentation is to tie the Dutchie 18” below the hook of a sparkle wooly bugger. Lead the flies through a deep pool and then let them swing up at the end of your drift. Deadly! I also use the Dutchie has a dropper to my favorite hopper patterns has the summer goes on.
I have been asked “What is the Dutchie supposed to be? A scud or a caddis nymph?”
My answer is always “Yes. Exactly that.” All I really know about the Dutchie is that fish like to eat them!
Hook: Caddis pupa or Cezch hook. Barbless. Size 10 -18
Thread: UTC Green Olive 140 denier
Bead: Tungsten Black, 1/8” to 5/32”
Rib: UTC Ultra Wire Copper size Small
Dubbing: Orvis Olive Hare’ E Ice Dub
Wingcase: Olive Body Glass (Available at perfomanceflies.com)
Hotspot: 140 denier Hot Pink UTC Thread (with Pink antron dubbing optional)
Step 1: Slide bead on hook and place in vise. Start thread behind bead and wrap half down the bend.
Step 2: Tie in a 2” section of fine copper wire, followed by a 1-1/2” section of olive Body Glass. Tie both the entire length of the shaft, up to the bead to build up the body.
Step 3: Apply Orvis Hare’ E Ice dubbing to the thread for approximately 4 to 5 inches (you can also use a dubbling loop in so inclined). Use your fingers to “mat’ the dubbing to the thread by briskly twisting. Wrap dubbing up to the bead. The dubbing should be bushy.
Step 4: Pull the body glass tight across the back of the fly to the bead and use sever loops and a hitch to secure.
Step 5: Wrap the copper wire the opposite direction as you did the dubbing, making sure the glass stays on top of the fly. At the Bead, make two or there extra loops around and then whip finish to secure with thread.
Step 6: Cut olive thread and attach pink thread directly behind bead.
Step 7: Wrap pink thread several time until you have a nice 1 mm collar. Add pink antron dubbing if you wish for bulk. Whip finish and fish.