Caddis Fly Fishing: Patterns, Life Cycle, and How to Fish a Caddis Hatch

Caddisflies are aquatic insects that live underwater before becoming winged adults. They look like small moths with tent-shaped wings (you've probably seen them around porch lights at night). When trout start targeting caddis, they feed aggressively.

In this fishing guide, I’ll tell you all about caddis fly fishing, from caddis fly patterns and seasonal hatch timing to fly tying materials and presentation techniques. You'll learn exactly what works on the water, not just what looks pretty in a display case.

If you’re a beginner angler facing your first caddis hatch or looking to refine your approach, this guide will help you get more takes and better hookups.

Caddis fishing isn't complicated once you understand the basics. I've spent 10+ years testing different patterns and techniques, and this guide sums it up for you.

• Caddis hatches start when the water hits 45-55°F, with the strongest activity at dawn and dusk.

• Larva patterns like Breadcrust and Green Rock Worm work year-round since larvae are always present.

• Pupa patterns often outfish dry flies during hatches when trout feed subsurface.

• Adult dry flies like Elk Hair Caddis stay visible and buoyant in choppy water.

• Tan, olive, and brown in sizes 14-18 cover most situations (size 16 is most versatile).

• Dead drift works for selective fish; skittering and twitching trigger aggressive strikes.

• Fast riffles and pocket water create ideal caddis habitat for feeding trout.

Let's start with how to find out when a caddis hatch is about to happen.

Caddis hatches typically occur from spring through fall, but the exact timing varies across different fly fishing rivers and locations. Instead of watching the calendar, focus on water temperature. When streams reach about 45-55°F, caddis activity often begins. Hatches are strongest during low-light periods, especially early morning and late evening.

To tell a hatch is about to start, watch for increased surface activity and rising fish. You’ll also see adult caddis flying near the water or resting on streamside vegetation.

If you need more guidance, visit your local caddis fly shop and ask for the exact timing for your region. Typically, though, northern waters hatch later than southern streams by 2-4 weeks.

For subsurface fishing, patterns like the Breadcrust, Bead Head Caddis Larva, and Green Rock Worm are proven producers. These wet flies work year-round in most streams (depending on the population's peak), which is one of my favorite things about fishing caddis.

They’re especially effective in faster water and tailwater systems when trout stay near the bottom. Dead-drifting these patterns along rocky runs and riffles produces strikes in 60-70% of fast-water situations.

How to fish larva patterns:

• Use weighted flies or add split shot to get down quickly.

• Cast upstream and let your fly tumble naturally along the bottom.

• Fish them through runs, pocket water, and along rocky structure.

• Achieve a drag-free drift when possible, but don't worry if the turbulent water creates some natural tumbling motion.

When I teach someone (or simply try to get a tough day going), I start with caddis larvae. They teach proper drift control and keep producing when the surface goes quiet.

Check out these egg fly patterns if you want more subsurface options for tough conditions.

Adult caddis dry flies like the Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis, Electric Caddis, and Woven Caddis are highly visible and buoyant, so they’re easy to track on the water. Hollow deer hair keeps these flies floating even in choppy runs, something you’ll really appreciate when you’re losing light. Again, remember that caddis imitations often catch more fish when you twitch or skitter them across the surface.

Tan, olive, and brown patterns in sizes 14-18 cover most caddis hatches. Match local insects when possible, but these neutral colors consistently attract fish.

Color guide:

• Tan/Cream: Most universal color, works in clear water

• Olive: Great in spring and early summer

• Brown/Dark: Use in stained water or overcast conditions

• Black: Effective at dawn, dusk, or in darker waters

Size matters just as much as color. Sizes 12-14 work best in fast freestone rivers and during heavy hatches when trout feed aggressively. A size 16 is the most versatile choice, while sizes 18-20 are better for selective trout in clear, calm water.

Tip: Start with size 16 if you're not sure, then adjust based on what's hatching. If fish are refusing your fly, try sizing down before changing colors.

Browse our full collection of caddis flies to find patterns that match your local hatches. We feature these deadly Elkwing Caddis, Tan Elk (no hackle), and Zebra Midge that consistently fool feeding trout during active hatches and tough, pressured conditions.

Cast upstream and allow your fly to float naturally downstream without drag. Use this when trout are feeding selectively on drifting adults. This is your baseline technique. Start here, then adjust if fish aren't responding.

Here’s how to execute a perfect dead drift:

• Position yourself downstream or to the side of rising fish.

• Cast 2-3 feet above where the fish is holding.

• Mend your line immediately to eliminate drag.

• Keep your rod tip high and cast your fly rod as it drifts.

• Set the hook at the slightest pause or movement of your fly.

Dead drifts work best in calm water or when fish are sipping adults gently off the surface.

Cast across the current and gently twitch your rod tip to make the fly dance on the water. This mimics the erratic movement of natural caddis.

Aggressive trout often strike skittering flies, especially during active hatches.

Skittering Technique: After your cast lands, give short, quick strips with your line hand while twitching your rod tip. The fly should hop and dance across the surface, leaving a small wake.

Twitching Strategy: Use short, subtle rod movements during the drift to imitate natural caddis behavior. This is less aggressive than skittering but more active than a dead drift.

Try this when fish are rising but not committing to a full dead drift. It works perfectly for an instinctive strike response.

Aside from casting, your caddis setup matters even more. Use tapered leaders between 9-12 feet with 4X-6X tippet (fluorocarbon tippet for subsurface, nylon for dry flies).

You’ll also need to adjust your approach depending on the rise forms. Splashy rises suggest aggressive feeding, while subtle sips indicate selective fish. Organize your patterns in fly boxes and storage for quick access during active hatches.

Keep this quick cheat sheet to save your day:

We have a guide on replacing your leader and tippet for detailed setup advice. Read our guide on replacing leader and tippet for more detailed setup advice.

Riffles are caddis heaven. The oxygenated, fast-moving water creates a perfect habitat for larvae clinging to rocks. During hatches, emerging pupae get swept downstream quickly, so trout position themselves in feeding lanes to intercept them.

Here’s how to fish it: Use heavier patterns like bead head larvae or pupae to get down quickly. Cast upstream and let your fly tumble naturally along the bottom. Don't worry about perfect drifts here. The choppy water hides your line, and trout expect food to move erratically.

For dry flies, the Elk-hair caddis works great because it stays visible in rough water. Add a little skitter to your presentation, since trout are already keyed in on aggressive feeding.

Don’t wait for next season to fish caddis. Stock your fly box with patterns that cover every life stage: larvae for subsurface feeding, pupae for active hatches, and adult dries for surface action.

At Wild Water Fly Fishing, our Caddis Fly Assortment gives you 36 flies in a box that work across different water types, hatch conditions, and trout feeding behaviors. Pair these flies with the techniques you’ve learned, get on the water, and start catching trout during the very next caddis hatch.

Watch our video on how to set up a fly fishing outfit to help you get started.