The Breadcrust Nymph is a great little pattern developed in the 1940s by Rudy Sentiwany. More recently, the Breadcrust was tied commercially by Ed Rolka and has become a favorite pattern here in Colorado and the West. As Ed Rolka retired, Pat Dorsey picked up where he left of. Pat continues to tie Breadcrust nymphs commercially and has even come up with a “synthetic” version (which looks just as buggy as the original). The original style of Breadcrust is still the “go to” for many anglers and continues to catch fish even today. The Breadcrust uses a split Ruffed Grouse feather, which are becoming more difficult to find these days. I found mine at a company called Nature’s Spirit. Nature’s Spirit sells the whole skin, along with all the tail feathers. Tying the Breadcrust is all about the preparation! Prep several feathers at once and let them soak to make them easier to work with. Keep them in water, until you are ready to tie with one. A great fly and must have in your caddis box!!
Breadcrust Fly Tying Recipe:
Hook: #10-18 Tiemco 3769 or Tiemco 3761
Thread: Brown Veevus 14/0
Underbody: Any color of Superfine Dubbing
Body: Tail feather from a Ruffed Grouse
Hackle: Natural Hungarian Partridge or Grizzly India Hen Back
