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Wiggle Larva
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Wiggle Larva
Cinnamon Caddis Larva (Hydropsyche)
By Carl Richards and Bob Braendle

The life cycle of the caddisfly is known as a "complete metamorphosis". In a complete metamorphosis there are four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult.

Caddisfly eggs are fertilized on shore and deposited in the river or on shore near the river. These eggs hatch into larvae which become the first stage of interest to the angler. The larvae of most species build cases of some sort. These cases aid in the identification of caddisflies because of their design and construction which is consistent within the family and genera. Some families build a net used to filter food from the water and a silken retreat near the net. Including Hydropsychidae, the most important family of caddisflies to the angler, these are called netbuilders. . .

Materials: Wiggle Larva

    Hooks:  Tiemco TMC 2487, size 12.

    [Thread  Black 6/0 or 8/0.]

    Body:   Tan spun fur or synthetic dubbing.

    Legs:   Tan soft hackle.

    Head and Thorax:   Black thread and brown fur.

    Rib:   Gold wire.

    Tail:   Cream soft hackle.

Tying Steps:

1. Wrap the head at the bend of a curved shank hook. Dub a thorax. Tie-in a soft hackle feather for legs.

2. Tie in the wire rib. Dub this half of the body to the hook eye and wrap the rib. Whip finish and cement. Cut the bend of the hook off near the bend.

3. Lash a piece of mono to project off the back of the second curved shank hook and loop it through the eye of the front section and lash it back to the hook. Make sure that the loop is open to allow free movement. Super glue the wrapping or it may slip.


4. Tie in the wire for the rib. Dub the back half of the body. Tie in the short tail fibers.

5. Wrap the rib and tie-off. Pick out fur on bottom.

Fishing Tip:

With more and more anglers practicing catch-and-release, realistic flies have become necessary for success. Realistic meaning more than mere appearance but also natural action and performance. When tying caddis imitations you must consider many factors, including size, translucence, silhouette and action. You must also be aware of the type of water the fly will be fish in. Fast-water flies need more flotation and generally need not be as exact in appearance as flies to be fished in calm, glassy waters. This is true for any imitation. ~ Carl & Bob

Credits: We thank Frank Amato Publications Inc. for use permission for this excerpt from Caddis Super Hatches.


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