A large pupa imitating the autumn Dicosmoecus October caddis as it drifts and struggles toward the surface. The rusty orange body and rust thorax match one of the biggest, most protein-rich caddis of the year, and the sparse starling collar suggests emerging legs and antennae. Fish it deep and on the swing once the big orange bugs start moving.
1. Thread base — Attach orange thread to the curved hook and build a base to the bend.
2. Rib — Tie in fine gold wire at the bend.
3. Abdomen — Dub a full, slightly rough rusty orange body from the bend to the 2/3 point, tapering slightly toward the tail.
4. Rib — Wind gold wire forward over the abdomen in open spirals. Tie off.
5. Thorax — Dub a fuller rust thorax from the 2/3 point to just behind the eye.
6. Collar — Tie in a small starling feather and wind 1–2 sparse turns as a collar. Sweep the fibers rearward.
7. Head — Build a neat head. Whip finish and apply head cement.
