Welcome back to Tying Tuesday, fly junkies! This week, we’ve got something special—a user-requested fly: the Iced Apple Caddis! We love seeing your ideas come through, so don’t be shy—drop us a comment and let us know what you want to see tied up next. Back in the studio is none other than the stillwater machine himself, Mr. Travis Hanson! While Travis usually stays in the stillwater lane and doesn’t tie many river bugs, he couldn’t resist this one—it’s just too dang buggy! Caddis nymphs are pretty straightforward to tie and deadly effective when the caddis are on the move… but this lil’ donkey? This is my kind of bug. With all that wild dubbing and that scruffy collar, it’s got attitude—flaring out in the water like it owns the place. They say flies catch more anglers than fish… and with this one, I think I see why! 😆
Tie it. Fish it. Love it.
Let’s go! 🎣💥
Recipe:
• Hook: Tiemco 2487, Size 12
• Thread: UTC 70D, Olive
• Rib: Hareline Micro Tubing, Olive
• Tinsel: Veevus Holographic Silver Tinsel, Med
• Wing/Dubbing Collar: Hareline Brown Olive + Olive Ice Dub
• Collar: Wapsi Squirrel Dub
***Please note, some materials sell out quickly on Tuesdays after a video drops – you can always call Customer Service if you have a question about an alternate material option (720-836-3619)***
Fly fishing with caddis nymphs in spring can be incredibly productive as these insects are active and prevalent during this time. Below is a detailed breakdown of tips and tricks to help you dial in your approach and maximize your chances of success.
TIPS & TRICKS
🐛 Understanding Caddis Nymph Behavior in Spring
1. Lifecycle Awareness
Spring marks a transitional period for caddisflies, especially as water temperatures rise. Larvae (often called “nymphs” in fly fishing) are active and begin preparing for pupation. This makes them frequent targets for trout.
2. Drift vs. Movement
Caddis nymphs don’t always drift passively like mayfly nymphs. Many crawl or swim along the bottom, so you should factor that movement into your presentation.
🎣 Gear & Rigging Tips
3. Use a Two-Fly Rig
Pair a caddis nymph with a heavier point fly (like a stonefly or tungsten jig) to get your caddis pattern into the strike zone. Bonus: this covers multiple insect profiles.
4. Try the Czech or Euro Nymph Setup
These techniques allow for great control and strike detection, which is ideal for fishing caddis larva near the bottom. A jigged caddis fly on a tight-line setup can be deadly.
5. Add a Tag Fly
Suspend a caddis pattern on a dropper tag to keep it off the bottom and swinging naturally in the current.
🎯 Presentation & Technique
6. Dead Drift, Then Lift
Caddis larvae drift, but they also swim and climb. Start with a dead drift, then lift your rod tip subtly at the end to imitate upward swimming. This often triggers a strike.
7. Target the Edges
Focus on seams, pockets, and riffles. Caddis larva get dislodged in turbulent flows and often collect along edges where trout are waiting.
8. Fish Low and Slow
In colder spring water, trout hug the bottom and don’t chase aggressively. Ensure your fly gets down quickly and stays in the zone longer.
🎨 Fly Selection Tips
9. Match the Color and Size
Spring caddis larvae are typically green, tan, or cream in color. Common sizes range from #14–#18. Patterns to try:
- LaFontaine’s Sparkle Pupa
- Caddis Larva (green or tan)
- Tunghead Caddis
- Walt’s Worm (a great generic caddis imitation)
10. Add Flash Sparingly
A touch of flash or hot spot (e.g., a hotspot collar or bead) can make your fly stand out in slightly stained spring water.
🕵️♂️ Bonus Tips for Reading the Water
11. Observe Hatches Midday
Caddis hatches often occur from late morning to afternoon, especially on sunny days. Look for pupae rising or trout rising in softer water.
12. Watch for Rises Below the Surface
Even when you don’t see splashy rises, you might see “bulging” rises—these indicate trout feeding on emerging caddis pupae mid-column.
🧠 Pro Tips
13. Pre-Hatch Pupae Drift
A few hours before a hatch, caddis pupae will drift toward the surface—this is a great time to fish emergers or soft hackles just under the surface.
14. Change Weights, Not Flies First
If you’re not catching fish, experiment with split shot or tungsten putty before changing flies. Often, the presentation depth is the problem—not the pattern.
Want tailored fly pattern suggestions for a specific Colorado river this spring? Just let me know the river and I’ll match the hatch for you.
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
