Today we’re talking bugs! Now, I know this can be a quagmire of latin names that no one can pronounce. Evan so, I feel very strongly that understanding just a few basics can be the difference between catching a few fish or a boat load. Today’s topic will focus on one bug in particular, the Caddisfly.
For reasons I don’t understand the Caddisfly has often taken a backseat to the more mythical and widely romanticized Mayfly. While yes, the Mayfly is a wonder to behold with its perfect symmetrical shape, split tail and poetic winged dance as it hovers across the water’s surface - the Caddisfly is cumbersome, has erratic flight and in some cases smacks the water it lands on. And as such has received little of the same reverence as the mythical Mayfly. Maybe it’s the worm-like nymphs or the moth-like adults that have often made the Caddisfly seem like a second-class citizen in the wondrous world of trout bugs, or perhaps the forefathers of the sport never had an epic day on the water where the caddis came off in the biblical numbers that their beloved Mayflies did.
Now in trout streams across the U.S., there are over 1,000 different subspecies of caddisflies. There is however, one that gets my heart racing, The Brachycentrus Caddis, a more common name is the “Apple Caddis”.
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The Brachycentrus is an essential part of a trout’s diet in the waters that it calls home. During its nymphal stage, it can be found clinging to the river bottom in its reed-like house. During this stage, they are subject to the currents and are a welcomed treat to hungry trout, as they can be swept off of the rocks or branches upon which they reside. Most hatches are brief but incredibly intense. During the emergence, trout feed heavily. We’re talking a, “fluttering around your face, crawling up your nose type hatch!” It should be noted, that our buggy friend’s colors change DRAMATICALLY after emergence. Emergers have extraordinarily light pale wings and bright green bodies, while the egg-laying adults have light brownish gray wings and medium green bodies. Egg laying females ride calmly on the water’s surface and are an easy meal because of this.
Brachycentrus hatch anytime between April and October. These bugs can take about a year to fully mature from egg to larva to pupa - and finally to an adult. So, while on the river throughout the summer I will always keep on hand an array of caddis imitations. It’s a good idea to have flies such as the Peeping Caddis, Davie McPhail’s Elastic Caddis, and of course the good ol’ standby Elk Hair Caddis.
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Tight lines-
