Favorite Caddis patterns

[Pigs]

I’m in caddis mode. I’m mostly interested in Caddis pupa/cripple/spent type patterns.

This is sort of my go-to deep pupa. Nothing special. Black tung/hares mask/flash and wire rib/cdc and partridge collar


I’ve been tying a partridge (no pics I guess) spent caddis I like quite a bit. I’m curious what you guys like for a dead caddis pattern…..dry or fished under the surface.

 

[Bambooflyguy]

Looks buggy and fishy!

 

[Matt B]

I don’t know if they take it is a spent adult or an emerger but this CDC and peacock and bit-o-flash thing in this post works for me when the good ol’ EHC or x-caddis just ain’t cuttin’ it.

Thread '2021 North Idahontana part 1'

Feb 8, 2022

6 days traveling, camping, fishing with my Dad in 2021.


This loop wing CDC emerger type fly killed it for me.



Smoke was swirling around up there all week. I didn't realize how it was getting to me until I eventually got out of it.


There were thousands of these larvae in places. It was truly impressive. I believe they may be Porpyga nigricans, Western firefly larvae. I now see that there's a caddis case on that rock, too. There was no shortage of insect activity. The macroinvertebrate population in this valley appears plenty healthy...

• Matt B
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Trip Reports

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[Scottp]

Craven’s Government Cheese has been pretty effective for me; not specifically a caddis pattern but in smaller sizes it could sure pass for one. I’ve only tied them in #8 and #10, but that’s a function of the deer hair I have on hand. I can probably squeeze some #12s out of my deer hair but will look for some shorter stuff. Fished a small stream yesterday

Caught some cutts

But had more refusals than takes on the #10s; I’ll tie up some smaller ones this weekend.

Regards,
Scott

 

[Pigs]

Great stuff guys!

Here’s my version of a spent caddis. I don’t use dubbing wax for the head on these. I think I will do that next session.

Simple dubbed body. Zelon underwing. Partridge tips laid flat for over wing. Hares mask with guard hairs for thorax/head

 

[Zak]

Great stuff guys!

Here’s my version of a spent caddis. I don’t use dubbing wax for the head on these. I think I will do that next session.

Simple dubbed body. Zelon underwing. Partridge tips laid flat for over wing. Hares mask with guard hairs for thorax/head

View attachment 191087View attachment 191088View attachment 191089

That looks a lot like a Gary Lafountaine diving caddis to me, which would probably also work for a spent caddis when dead drifted.