Welcome back to Tying Tuesday! This week, join Ben in the studio as he ties Lance Egan’s GTI Caddis—your new go-to imitation! The GTI, short for Go-To Imitation, is the perfect pattern for mimicking drifting caddis larvae. We’re big fans of this fly, from the tie to the catch. Its multi-rib construction and scud back make it an absolute game-changer on the water, and the trout can’t seem to resist!

Fishing with caddis nymphs can be incredibly effective, especially since caddisflies are a staple in many trout diets. Here are some tips and tricks to maximize your success:

1. Know the Lifecycle

• Caddis Nymphs (Larvae): Caddis larvae, also called caddis nymphs, are often found drifting in the current or crawling on the bottom. Understanding their behavior will help you present your fly more naturally.
• Pupa Stage: The pupa stage is when the caddis nymph starts to ascend to the surface, making it a prime time for fishing.

2. Use the Right Patterns

• Popular Caddis Nymph Patterns: Patterns like the Green Rock Worm, Caddis Larva, or GTI Caddis are excellent choices.
• Match the Color and Size: Match the natural caddis nymphs in your local waters by selecting the right size and color.

3. Fish Near the Bottom

• Drift Close to the Bottom: Caddis nymphs naturally drift near the streambed, so aim to present your fly close to the bottom where trout are likely to be feeding.
• Use Weight: Add split shot or use a weighted nymph to get your fly down quickly, especially in faster currents.

4. Use a Strike Indicator

• Sensitive Indicator: A small, sensitive strike indicator will help detect subtle strikes. Caddis nymphs are often taken softly, so this can make a big difference.
• Indicator Placement: Adjust the placement of the indicator based on the depth of the water. A general rule is to place the indicator 1.5 to 2 times the depth of the water.

5. Employ a Dead Drift

• Natural Drift: Focus on achieving a dead drift, where your fly moves naturally with the current. Mend your line upstream to eliminate drag.
• Short-Line Nymphing: Short, controlled drifts with minimal slack will help keep your fly in the strike zone longer.

6. Fish the Riffles and Runs

• Prime Spots: Caddis nymphs are commonly found in riffles and runs where the water is oxygenated. Focus on these areas to find actively feeding trout.
• Pocket Water: Cast into pockets and seams where fish might be holding.

7. Try a Double Nymph Rig

• Two Flies: Fish a caddis nymph in combination with another nymph, like a mayfly or stonefly pattern, to cover more of the water column.
• Experiment with Depths: Use different weights or depths to see where the fish are feeding most actively.

8. Use Fluorocarbon Tippet

• Stealth: Fluorocarbon is less visible in water and sinks faster, making it ideal for nymph fishing.
• Strength: It’s also more abrasion-resistant, which is helpful when fishing near rocks or debris.

9. Be Patient and Observant

• Watch for Surface Activity: If you notice trout rising but not fully breaking the surface, they might be taking emerging caddis pupae. Switch to an emerger pattern if needed.
• Adjust Tactics: If you’re not getting bites, try adjusting your depth, fly size, or even the speed of your drift.

10. Fish Early or Late

• Prime Times: Early morning and late evening are often the best times to fish caddis nymphs, as trout are more active during these periods.

11. Don’t Forget the Pupae

• Emergence: Caddis nymphs often transform into pupae before emerging. Fishing a caddis pupa pattern during a hatch can be extremely effective.
• Swinging Technique: During emergence, let your fly swing in the current as if it’s rising to the surface, mimicking the natural behavior of the pupa.

12. Keep Moving

• Cover Water: If you’re not getting bites in one spot, move to another. Trout may be more active or feeding on caddis nymphs in a different section of the stream.

By understanding the behavior of caddis nymphs and applying these techniques, you’ll increase your chances of success on the water. Happy fishing!

Please Note: Part of this content was created using AI tools, reviewed, and edited by our team to ensure accuracy.

Ingredients & Recipe

Check out some of our Shop’s Favorite tools:

• Hook: Partridge of Redditch, Czech Nymph Hook – Size 14
• Bead: Fulling Mill Tungsten Bead Gold, 3.2MM
• Wire: Hareline Lead Free Round Wire
• Thread: UTC Ultra Thread, 70D – Olive
• Tail: Wapsi Strung Peacock Hurl – Orange
• Rib 1: UTC Monofilament Thread, Size – 004
• Rib 2: Hareline Krystal Flash, Olive
• Body Dubbing: Wapsi Life Cycle Dubbing Dispenser, Olive
• Head Dubbing: Fulling Mill Tactical Microflash Dub – Bronze Peacock
• Shell Back: Hareline Scud Back, Summer Duck, Size 1/8

Check out some of our favorite Fly Tying Gear:

• Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
• Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
• Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
• Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
• Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit

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