Mar 01 2010
Emerging Grannom
After a very enjoyable and in depth discussion regarding Grannom patterns with the mighty Mr Meadows recently, I’ve managed to preen a few new ideas from the master himself (as is usually the case when we discuss our tying). I’m no expert, but what studies I have read show that trout will show more interest towards the nymphal and emerging stages of the Grannom and less so towards the adult, although they will, of course, still eat any adults foolish enough to land on the water’s surface. Our discussion revolved around a Grannom pattern consisting of a curved, off-yellow body and a CDC wing.
I look forward to this first main caddis hatch of the year with great excitement, and the sight of huge clouds of Grannom gently drifting upstream, or rocks appearing to move with a thick covering of the beasts always brings a big smile to my face.
Because of which, I’ve been messing around with a caddis pattern which includes the above mentioned body and wing combination, but I’ve also added a few extra ingredients to the mix, such as a spiky squirrel thorax, a rib, and a deer hair over-wing, and I’m rather eager to try out the new pattern.
This pattern is intended to be a large emerger, in fact, a little larger than the natural as I’d also like it to be able to support a tungsten bead-head nymph should the need arise. That said it should imitate the emerger stage of the Grannom fairly decently (although I’ve a feeling it may just work as an emerging Mayfly too, due to it’s size). Its ingredients should also ensure that it floats well in faster runs and should be perfect for the violent white waters of the upper Taff.
Thread: Roman Moser Power Silk, grey
Abdomen: SLF Masterclass, Light Damsel Nymph (#29)
Rib: Nylon thread, brown
Thorax: Squirrel
Underwing: x4 CDC feathers, natural
Overwing: Deer hair, coastal
6 responses so far
Hi Gareth,
nice pattern there. Have you tried the new Varivas T-2000 Terresteral hooks? Theyre’ really quite interesting and allow flies to sit even lower in the water. Check them out. I’ve got them in sizes 16 – 12.
Enjoy the first day of the season tomorrow
Mark
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Sorry mate but I can feel another “order” coming up
Dan
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Mark, cheers mate
Funnily enough I was looking at that model hook on Lakeland earlier today, does indeed look rather good for meaty emergers. I’ll be working tomorrow too mate, but if you manage to get out, have a great day, and spare a thought for us stuck-behind-a-desk-lot.
Dan, I’ll pop a few on your tab mate
Free of charge of course.
G
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Very nice!! I like that a lot!!
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Thanks Grizz
All thanks to you mate. I’ll let you know how they do on Saturday…as I don’t think I can wait until April to try them properly 
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Gareth, I love that Grannom imitation, But, I’ll need a few samples to test them!
See ya on the stream!
M
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