The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

Nymph

Poxyback Callibaetis

Insect Species Icon Callibaetis
Difficulty Icon Medium - 7-10 Min
Water Category Icon Coldwater

Tying Video

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Tying Recipe
  • Hook: Straight Eye, Standard Wire, 3X Long, Semi-Dropped Point
  • Thread: UTC 70 Denier, Olive
  • Tail: Ostrich Herl, Light Grey
  • Body: Whitlock SLF Dubbing, Scud Shrimp Olive
  • Rib: Krystal Flash, Pearl
  • Casing: Pheasant Tail, Natural
  • Gills: Partridge Feather Base Fibers
  • Thorax: Whitlock SLF Dubbing, Scud Shrimp Olive
  • Legs: Partridge, Natural

A stillwater favorite for many anglers across the Western United States, this pattern is an instant classic. Having a few substitutions up it’s sleeve is only the beginning of all the things this bug has going for it.

Casing: The Peasant Tail can be effortlessly replaced by Turkey Wing Fibers.

Legs: The legs of this fly can be made up of India Hen Back Fibers as well.

You really don’t want to change up this fly too much because of how effective it already is. Although, one variation that is always good to have in your box is a flashback. Replace the pheasant tail fiber casing with black thin skin and a strip of blue flashabou, and then use the UV product of your choice to bind it all together. That’s a classic flashback casing with the blue upgrade. The blue color of the flashabou will stand out like a beacon to the fish, even at in deep stillwater locations.

The Poxyback Callibaetis is a must have for anyone who plans to be fishing Western stillwater. This bug is a staple among lake and reservoir fisherman, and for good reason! The flashy body, pulsating ostrich herl tail, and UV casing make it hard for those fish to resist. It’s a fun tie, and can be mastered quickly, so give it a go!

Fishing this pattern on an intermediate sinking line is a best move you can possibly make. Make your retrieve pretty slow and steady for the best results. If you plan to fish it pretty deep, try the blue flashback version mentioned in the variation section.

Callibaetis

Regional Hatch Chart Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Region: West
Callibaetis
Sizes: #12 - #18
Region: Northwest
Callibaetis
Sizes: #12 - #18
Region: East
Callibaetis
Sizes: #12 - #18
Region: Midwest
Callibaetis
Sizes: #12 - #18

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