Caddis

Caddisflies are the most widespread aquatic insect in North America and, on many rivers, the most important food source for trout across multiple life stages. Unlike mayflies, caddis are present in some form year-round on most Western freestone rivers. Understanding the full caddis life cycle — larva, pupa, and adult — dramatically increases your productive fishing hours.

We carry caddis patterns across every stage from The Fly Fishing Place's extensive catalog: LaFontaine Deep Sparkle Caddis Pupa in multiple colors and sizes (the definitive emerging pupa pattern), Iris Caddis Emergers for surface film fishing, Elk Hair Caddis and Henryville Caddis for adult presentations, and Goddard Caddis for rough water where a high-riding foam pattern stays afloat when standard hackle dries won't.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do caddisflies hatch on Western rivers?

Caddisflies hatch year-round on most Western rivers. Grannom (small black caddis) emerge as early as March on lower-elevation rivers. Mother's Day Caddis hatches peak in May–June on rivers like the Colorado and Gunnison. Tan and olive caddis hatch heavily June through August on most freestone rivers. October Caddis — large orange caddisflies — hatch in fall and are among the most dramatic hatches of the year.

What caddis fly patterns should I always carry?

Carry three categories: a LaFontaine Deep Sparkle Caddis Pupa (in tan and green, sizes 14–18) for subsurface fishing during the hatch; an Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 12–18) as the standard adult dry fly; and a Goddard Caddis or X-Caddis for rough water or when fish are keying on caddis in the surface film. A Henryville Caddis covers clear-water situations where fish are selective to adult profile.

Should I fish a dry caddis or an emerger during a caddis hatch?

During an active caddis hatch, fish the emerging pupa first. Most trout feed on caddis in the pupal stage as the insect ascends from the bottom to the surface — LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle patterns are designed specifically for this stage. Once adults are visible in the air, switch to an Elk Hair Caddis or surface pattern. If fish refuse both, try an X-Caddis or soft hackle wet fly just below the surface.