How To Tie LaFontaine's Sparkle Pupa

Follow along with Karl as he shows us how to tie Lafontaine's Sparkle Pupa! Improve your fly-tying skills and know-how here!

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Today we're diving into LaFontaine's Sparkle Pupa, a nymph pattern designed by Gary LaFontaine in the 1970s that expertly mimics a caddis pupa during its critical emergence stage. This fly features unique materials like Hareline Hare Tron Dubbing and Antron Yarn to replicate the gas bubble effect caddisflies exhibit before surfacing. Ideal for sizes 12 to 16, this pattern is a must-have for anglers targeting selective trout. If you've tried tying or fishing with the Sparkle Pupa, share your experiences in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more insightful fly tying guides!

We've put together a kit that contains all the materials you need to tie this exact fly pattern.

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Hook: TMC 100 (size 14)

Thread: UNI 6/0 (Dark Brown)

Tail & Body: Antron Yarn (White) and HareTron Dubbing (Olive Brown)

Wing: Hareline Premo Deer Hair (Natural)

Head: HareTron Dubbing (Dark Brown)

Step 1

Start by creating a thread base beginning at the halfway point of the hook shank, wrapping rearward and stopping just before the hook bend.

Step 2

Select a thin, short section of Antron Yarn for the tail. Tie it in on top of the hook shank and trim so it extends just slightly past the hook bend, as shown.

Step 3

Tie in a longer, fuller section of Antron Yarn on one side of the hook shank, leaving a long tag end. Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch and fold the tag end over the top of the shank and tie it down on the opposite side. Continue wrapping rearward, stopping just before the hook bend.

Step 4

Create a small dubbing noodle using Haretron Dubbing in Olive Brown. Wrap it forward, stopping at approximately the halfway point of the hook shank, as shown.

Step 5

Fold the Antron Yarn fibers forward over the top of the abdomen to create a shell back. Tie off just in front of the dubbing abdomen, secure with several tight wraps, and trim the excess yarn.

Step 6

Fold the Antron Yarn fibers forward over the top of the abdomen to create a shell back. Tie off just in front of the dubbing abdomen, secure with several tight wraps, and trim the excess yarn.

Step 7

Create a small dubbing noodle to cover the exposed thread wraps behind the hook eye.

Step 8

Wrap the dubbing noodle forward, being careful not to crowd the hook eye. Complete 2–3 whip finishes and apply a drop of superglue to the thread wraps for added durability.

Your Sparkle Pupa is ready for the next hatch!