Tying a Jiggy Free Swimming Caddis Fishing Fly

Caddis don’t let BWOs take a leading role for long during the Spring. As the water warms, caddis will quickly start their emergence. For several weeks prior, however, activity ramps meaningfully below the surface. Free swimming caddis are often on the menu for spring time trout. These caddis do not build cases; rather, they are swimmers. In terms of fly design, capturing a defining feature like “swimming legs” can be a successful way to entice fish. This can be accomplished in several ways, including: leaving the legs longer than “normal,” using a material that accentuates movement (think wavy or wiggly), or by tying in more legs than “normal.”

• Hook: Jig Hook, size 12-16. https://www.discountflies.com/SRCH.html?Search=jig+hook
• Bead: Raven and Wolf Tungsten Slotted Bead, sized to hook. Dark Color. https://www.discountflies.com/SRCH.html?Search=raven+and+wolf+slotted
• Thread: UTC70, Black. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-UTC70D.html
• Tail: Raven and Wolf Shuck Fibers, White. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-RWSHUCK.html
• Body 1: Cascade Crest V Rib, Med or Small. Olive. https://www.discountflies.com/SRCH.html?Search=cascade+crest+v+rib
• Rib: Ostrich. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-CCOST.html
• Underbody: Hedron Flashabou, Pearl or Olive. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-HFLBOU.html
• Rubberlegs: Raven and Wolf, Micro Insect Legs. Black. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-RWILXS.html
• Thorax: Raven and Wolf Chubb Dub. Black. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-RWCD.html