Fly Tying Inventory
Sparkle Pupa (LaFontaine)
Gary LaFontaine's revolutionary caddis emerger pattern designed to simulate the gas-encased pupa as it rises to the surface. The signature Antron yarn 'bubble' around the body reflects light exactly like the natural gas sheath of an emerging caddis, making this one of the most scientifically informed and effective caddis patterns ever developed. A must-have during any caddis hatch.
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Materials
TMC 100, TMC 2487, or Daiichi 1180, sizes 12-18
8/0 or 6/0, color to match body (tan, olive, brown)
Antron or Sparkle Yarn (tan, olive, or fluorescent green)
Antron yarn or Antron/hare's ear dubbing blend
Antron yarn ballooned around abdomen to create translucent gas sheath
Fine wire for segmentation and durability
Haretron or hare's ear dubbing mixed with Antron, or dark brown marabou
Sparse light deer hair or additional Antron over thorax
How to Tie the Sparkle Pupa (LaFontaine)
- 1
Step 1
Attach thread to the hook just behind the eye and wrap a smooth base back to the bend.
- 2
Step 2
At the bend, tie in a short tuft of Antron or Sparkle Yarn to represent the trailing shuck. Let a few fibers extend beyond the bend.
- 3
Step 3
Dub the thread with Antron or an Antron/hare's ear blend. Wrap forward to build a slight taper, ending at two-thirds of the hook shank.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in a length of Antron yarn at the base of the shuck. Pull both ends forward over the abdomen, splitting equally to each side. Use fingers or a bodkin to balloon and disperse the fiber around the body, creating a translucent, bubble-like effect. Secure with thread wraps at the thorax.
The Antron bubble is the hallmark of this pattern—take time to spread it evenly around the body for the most realistic gas-sheath imitation.
- 5
Step 5
Optionally counter-wrap fine wire over the bubble to segment the body and add strength.
- 6
Step 6
Dub a slightly bulkier, darker thorax using Haretron or a hare's ear/Antron blend.
- 7
Step 7
Optionally add a sparse bunch of Antron or natural deer hair above the thorax as an emerging wing.
- 8
Step 8
Finish the head with a whip finish and apply head cement if desired.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKrOysYmBcU
Credit: Gary LaFontaine