Bodkin / Patterns

Gene's Cased Caddis

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook 2XL curved caddis/scud nymph hook, 12-16
  • Thread Black 8/0

Materials

  • Bead Black tungsten bead (1, sized to hook)
  • Weight Lead-free wire (6-8 turns)
  • Case Brown/olive hare's ear dubbing (spun rope, back 60%)
  • Case rib Copper wire (one strand)
  • Body/larva Bright caddis green Sparkle Braid or dubbing (front 25%)
  • Legs Brown partridge or hen (one small tuft)
  • Head Black dubbing or thread (collar behind bead)

How to tie it

  1. Slide the black tungsten bead to the eye, mount the hook, and lock in 6-8 turns of lead-free wire behind the bead to sink it fast; start thread and jam the wraps against the bead.
  2. Catch in the copper wire at the bend, then build a shaggy hare's-ear dubbing rope and wrap it forward over the back 60% of the shank to form the bulky, buggy case.
  3. Counter-wrap the copper rib forward in 4-5 open turns and pick out the guard hairs so the case looks like glued grit and twigs, not smooth dubbing.
  4. Tie in the caddis-green braid or dub a slim green segment over the next 25% to show the soft larva poking from its case, the trigger fish key on.
  5. Sweep a small partridge tuft under the throat for legs, keeping it no longer than the hook gap.
  6. Dub a tight black collar behind the bead, whip finish against the bead, and snip.

Tying videos

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