The larval stage of caddisflies is equivalent to the nymphal stage of mayflies. But mayflies have no equivalent to the caddisfly's pupal stage. This is important because the pupae of caddisflies are often the target of feeding fish, and many fly patterns have been designed to imitate them. Two patterns from Curtis Fry using a new body material are particularily attractive.
The Pupa stage of the caddis fly is rarely seen by the fly fisherman, because of its fast transition to the adult stage. The pupa are fully encased inside a sealed cocoon on the stream bottom until they are ready to emerge. At the time of emergence, they break open the cocoon and swim very quickly to the water’s surface, where they explode into the air as a full formed adult. This rapid transition can cause trout to go wild. Trout may be seen leaping from the water as they chase the caddis flies from the stream bottom into the air.
Identifying Characteristics:
1) Long Antennae
2) Wing pads on either side of there thorax
3) Long dangeling legs
4) No Tails
Join our mailing list
