Realistic Caddis Fly Dry II

Realistic Caddis Fly Dry II

Realistic Caddis Fly Dry II is an effective imitation of a real caddisfly. This life-like pattern features the characteristic transparent, tent-like shaped wings that are made of flexible material, finished with authentic printing and detail. The body is made from foam-like material that is lightweight and floats great. This fly pattern has been carefully designed and crafted to have the authentic looks of a real insect. It is of the perfect weight so the fly floats easily, emulating the natural insect in this stage. The material is sturdy and made to last.

Comes in most common caddis dry colors: Dark, Brown, Gray, and Light and hook sizes #10, #12 & #14.

Caddis Fly Fishing

Caddis flies are one of the most important species when it comes to trout food. They become most significant for fly fishers in the late spring and early summer with the peak in the summer months, continuing into the fall. Fishing dry caddis patterns works well during caddis hatches and during their egg-laying flights.

Caddis flies are aquatic insects that undergo a complete metamorphosis, they go from egg to larvae, then to pupal stage, and finally, emerge as an adult. Most species go through this full process over the span of one year. Out of all the stages, the larval stage is the longest, taking about a few weeks to a few months. When caddis larva starts hatching, this is when they become most vulnerable in their life-cycle. In this stage, emerging caddis pupa starts drifting as they make their way rising to the surface. During this time they are going through the whole metamorphosis – their shack splits open as they struggle to get out of it and emerge as an adult, flying caddis. Adults live longer than other aquatic insects, one to four weeks, usually in the bushes along river banks. One of the reasons they can live longer as adults than other aquatics (like mayflies) is that they are able to drink water – they stay hydrated during their adult life.  Adult caddis flies are found in great numbers. Their specific down-wing, tent-like shape differentiates them easily from other aquatics. Their wings are hairy. They don’t have tails, have long antennae and segmented, stout, fat bodies that are shorter than their wings. They range in size, but the most common species are between 12 through 16.

Caddis flies mate outside water, in the vegetation and males usually die on dry land shortly after. Females fly back to the surface to deposit eggs after which they can be found on the surface floating helplessly. These ‘spent’ females become an easy target for trout. These are scenarios that fly fishers need to replicate when dry fly fishing caddis patterns. To emulate an adult caddis floating on the surface with their wings still, dead-drift with no drag would be the most effective presentation.