Loco Tadpole

The Loco Tadpole, also known as the Pyramid Lake Tadpole, designed by Ike Berry in the mid-1970s. Originating in Reno, Nevada, the fly was created to imitate small water beetles, which are a key food source for the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in Pyramid Lake. The original pattern was tied in brown or green and used smaller size 10-12 hooks to mimic the small, dark-bodied beetles. Over time, the Loco Tadpole has evolved, with modern patterns tied on size 2-6 hooks to target larger Cutthroat trout.

When waves roll in, cast parallel to the shoreline instead of straight out—Pyramid’s cutthroat often cruise just inside the first trough where stirred-up chub fry and insects collect. A Loco Tadpole swung slowly along that lateral lane stays in the strike zone far longer, and the surge of the rollers gives it a natural, pulsing kick that triggers vicious eats