Balloon Caddis

In this video I demonstrate how to tie the Balloon Caddis, a Modern Dry Fly Pattern originally conceived and tied by Roman Moser, an expert fly tyer from Austria. I cannot pin down an exact date when the fly was first tied, however it appears in several publications, videos and demonstrations at a National Game Fair in 1988, therefore it is assumed to have been developed from about 1986, possibly earlier. The publication with two publishing runs was called "The Art of the Trout Fly" published in 1988 and 2003.

The pattern is tied to imitate an emerging Caddis fly, with a Deer Hair and a Yellow Foam composite wing. It is designed to sit in the surface film of the water rather than on the water, enhancing the natural presentation of the fly to the fish. The original pattern is tied on a straight shanked hook, however I have chosen to tie it on a Buzzer style hook in this video. If you prefer you can obviously use a hook of your choice. Colours and ribbing materials can vary according to the shade required or your personal preferences. The Yellow Foam is actually imitative of the flies life cycle stage however it also makes it very easy to see on the water.

This pattern is the inspiration for my "Foam Emerger" fly pattern which is very similar. However I have a larger foam wing, no Deer Hair and the body is tied to represent an emerging Chironomid/Buzzer, similar to a Shuttlecock. They have been tried and tested at several venues, including the River in its myriad of varieties I have tied. It has proven to be a great catcher of fish. Therefore I have an enormous amount of confidence in this pattern in the video to do the same.

Because of its unsinkability, the fly is very useful for River Anglers but its just as at home on Stillwaters. In the more natural colours, using Fur dubbings, I also have no doubt it could be used as a general imitation of aquatic insects on the whole, so if what is hatching has not been identified, try this pattern.