Caddis backs

[Salmon Slayer]

I've been playing with some caddis patterns, and i'd like to find a way to get a smooth segmented pattern on the back. I've tried Swanundaze, but i prefer to have the dubbing on the bottom exposed to imitate legs. My best effort so far has been to cut thin strips of plastic, lay them along the back, and wrap mono over it from back to front, but I'm still not satisfied. If anybody knows a better material or method, I would be grateful.

[fessiewig]

I just found some stuff I really like, after having the same concerns. I was at North Country Angler and spotted packages of "Nymph Stretch Skin" on the wall. It comes in different colors and works very well. When applying the "skin" to the back you stretch it, then when you use your ribbing material it really creates a nice looking segmented back.

[PW]

I'll second that! It's awsome stuff!!! I've been using the stuff for a couple years. I don't even bother with a rib. I wrap it right up the hook to form the abdomen. Segments very nicley. You put tension on it for the first two wraps to start but as you move up let up a little and it will build up thicker and thicker as you make overlapping turns. If your into using markers the stuff takes the ink very well. You can use it for anything that has a segemented abdomen. It was very hard to get at first in the US not many places offered it but more shops are statrting to. Feather-Craft now has a knock off. Not as good as the English stuff but it does the trick. Here's some links The last link is a Czech site but it has some pictures showing how to build up the abdomen.

http://www.feather-craft.com/products.asp?id=14553&cat=NYMPH-SKIN&search=1
http://www.flyfishing-and-flytying.co.uk/flytying/caddis.html
http://www.flytyingchronicles.com/Flies/FTC_NymphSkin.htm
http://www.mrk.cz/clanek.php3?id=91

[petegas]

i know a lot of caddis patterns people have developed as of late use small crystal beads over the thread of your choice for the body.