How to tie the Puterbaugh Caddis
Elk Hair caddis flies are great, they float well and are useful in a wide range fishing situations. So what’s better? Arguably an Elk Hair with a foam body to only improve its buoyancy. In steps Puterbaugh’s Caddis. Created by Don Puterbaugh this pattern is a master of simplicity. Tied with only three materials besides thread and the hook it is a great dry to get your feet wet.
Ingredients & Recipe
- Hook – TMC 100
- Thread – Veevus 10/0 Black
- Foam – 2mm Tan Foam
- Wing – Elk Hair
- Hackle – Brown Hackle
Tools Used
- Vise – Griffin Mongoose
- Scissors – Loon Ergo Hair Scissors
- Bobbin – Rising Stout Bodkin
- Whip Finish – Umpqua Dream Stream Whip Finish

Nice foam caddis pattern! Note that both the pattern here and in the video list the thread as Veevus 16/0 but during the video you state Veevus 10/0 or UTC 140 denier thread. The heavier threads seem more appropriate for firmly tying in the foam and elk hair. I think doing so with 16/0 thread would easily break.
Thanks for watching! You are correct and we will get that fixed!