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. Today, the Loco Tadpole is known for its versatility, as it can also imitate a variety of other prey items, making it an effective choice for anglers seeking to catch the elusive Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.

Use the Loco Tadpole as a Search Fly: Due to its versatile profile, the Loco Tadpole makes an excellent "search fly" in Pyramid Lake or similar bodies of water. Cast the fly in different areas and depths, retrieving it across various zones, until you locate where the fish are feeding. Experiment with different retrieve speeds to determine how active the trout are—slower retrieves work well when the fish are lethargic, while a quicker retrieve can provoke more aggressive strikes from active fish.