When Hans van Klinken designed the revolutionary LT Caddis in 1984 (later re-named the Klinkhåmer Special by Hans’ colleague, Hans de Groot) he couldn’t have known how it would change the world of fly fishing and fly tying.

Designed to be a big, buoyant pattern for fast waters, it mimics the emerging caddis (Trichoptera) during its ascending/emerging pupa stage. If you think this pattern is too big, just turn a few rocks next time you’re near your local stream, and I guarantee that some of the caddis you’ll find will be over an inch in size.

These big flies are perfect for the fast riffley waters found on the small tributaries and streams here in South Wales, and the Klinkhåmer is my number one favourite dry/emerger pattern for the smaller/wilder streams.

The Partridge Klinkhamer Xtreme 15BNX hook is a monster for its size rating; a size #16 BNX is easily a size #12 in an equivalent branded hook (the Kamasan B100, for example), so if you’re new to this model of hook, be careful when purchasing them for the first time. As a guide, my go to size for fishing small streams is a size #16; a larger size #14 for extra fast/turbulent waters or a smaller size #18 if the waters get a little slack or the fish spooky.

One major advantage of using such a buoyant pattern is that it’s perfect to use as the ‘indicator’ fly in a Duo/New Zealand/Klink & Dink rig. Simply tie a 2’ length of tippet to the Klinkhåmer’s hook shank and a tungsten bead-head nymph to the tippet. This method is absolutely deadly in the faster riffles and a God-send when the air temperatures are low or where there doesn’t appear to be much surface activity.

For further information on the Klinkhåmer Special, just click here.

Hook: Partridge Klinkhamer Xtreme 15BNX, #16
Thread: Roman Moser Power Silk 10/0, grey
Post: Tiemco Aero Dry, fluorescent pink
Hackle: Rooster, light blue dun or grizzle
Body: Fly Rite Extra Fine Poly, #19 (Light Tan)
Thorax: Peacock herl

When tying the Klinkhamer I find it important to keep a tight/slim but tapered profile…

As you can see, the body pierces the surface film, leaving the combination of parachute hackle and Aerodry post to a) hold the pattern up easily, and b) give the angler a highly visible fly…

A trout’s eye view…

About the Author

To read more about Gareth Lewis, please see the About page by clicking here.