Man, if there's one fly that's saved my bacon during caddis hatches more times than I can count, it's the Caddis Poopah. You know those days when the river's just boiling with risers but they're being picky as hell? That's when this little gem really shines - it nails that awkward pupal stage when caddis are basically helpless drifters before they make their big debut on the surface.

Now, about tying these bad boys... First off, you'll wanna grab a curved shank hook - sizes 14 through 18 are my sweet spot, though I tend to lean toward 16s most days. Start with your thread base, but here's where I differ from some folks - I like to use a contrasting thread color for the segmentation. Makes it pop just a bit more under that rippled surface, you know? Then comes the dubbing - keep it natural colored but don't be afraid to mix in some sparkle. I remember one time on the Madison, the fish were keying in on that slight shimmer of the pupal casing like it was going out of style.

For the thorax, peacock herl's the classic choice, and for good reason - that iridescence just screams "emerging insect" to trout. But here's a pro tip: don't go overboard with the hackle fibers for legs. I've seen guys tie these things looking like tarantulas - real caddis pupae are way more subtle in the water. And that bead head? Absolute must-have. Not just for weight (though that helps get it down quick in faster currents), but that little flash mimics the actual pupal head perfectly.

What makes this pattern so deadly is it imitates that brief window when caddis are at their most vulnerable - kinda like teenagers leaving for college, if you think about it. They're just drifting along, all soft and exposed before they hit the surface. I've had my best luck with this fly in those slightly off-color streams - you know, when the water's got that faint greenish tint from algae but you can still see a foot or two down.

As for fishing it... dead drift is king, especially during heavy emergences. But don't be afraid to give it little twitches now and then - sometimes that slight movement triggers strikes when nothing else will. And if you're not getting hits on the drift, try swinging it through likely lies. I've taken some real bruisers doing that when the fish seem to want their pupae with a bit more action. Just remember - when the caddis are popping, keep this fly handy and you'll be in business.