Bodkin / Patterns

Peeking Caddis

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Curved nymph / caddis hook, 2X long, 8-14
  • Thread Brown 6/0

Materials

  • Lead-free wire - (underbody)
  • Hare's ear / dark dubbing Brown/tan hare s ear dark dubbing (case (rear two-thirds))
  • Gold wire or tinsel Gold oval tinsel (rib over case)
  • Bright dubbing Insect green or cream (peeking larva (front))
  • Partridge or dark hackle Brown/black partridge or dark hackle (legs)
  • Ostrich or peacock herl Black ostrich or peacock herl (head)

How to tie it

  1. Wrap a lead-free underbody over the shank and cover it with thread; catch in the gold wire at the bend.
  2. Dub a shaggy, rough case of dark hare's-ear dubbing over the rear two-thirds of the shank to imitate the caddis's stick-and-debris home.
  3. Rib the case forward with 4-5 open turns of gold wire and tie off, the segmented wire suggests the built case.
  4. At the front third, dub a short, bright band of green or cream to be the caddis larva 'peeking' out of its case.
  5. Tie in a partridge or dark hackle and take 1-2 turns for sparse legs, sweeping them back.
  6. Wind 2 turns of black ostrich or peacock herl for a dark head, whip finish and cement.

Tying videos

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