Caddis Larvae

As I re-read my fishing log, one fly did particularly well during spring and early-summer: a green Caddis Larva. Early-season trout, when I selectively stomach-sample a few, are usually absolutely chock-full of Caddis Pupae and Larvae. Nearly always, I see the light-green variety.

You can really spend a lot of time on such a fly. Some folks use woven bodies, a shell back, and go all-out. I’ve done that. But, it makes for a sad moment when I lose such a fly.

So, over time, I’ve really simplified my fly tying. For the Caddis Larva, I like the one in the video at the bottom. It is easy to do and incorporates a cool way to create a dubbing loop, which is a great technique to create extra-buggy bodies (cf. “My New #1 Fly“). I like this Caddis Larva in sizes 16 or 18.

Caddis larva via @tightlineproductions. #euronymphing #flyfishing #barbless #flytying #orvis

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Simple!

This pattern has a few strike triggers: it’s small, has color contrast, possesses a familiar-looking body color, and has appendages.

Give it a go and have a few in the box. Have ready my favorite Caddis Emerger and the X-Caddis, and you’ll have some effective flies for an all-day outing.

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3 thoughts on “Caddis Larvae

  1. The original Tightlines Green Caddis Larva was a real producer for me in Maine. If you use crystal flash for a dubbing loop that version also produces.

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