Trout Diet

As you probably already know, the Caddis is a vital source of nutrition for trout.  They are not nearly as prolific as mayflies and midges, but trout seem to key in on them when they are there.  I have found that when there are swarms of midges along with a nice mayfly hatch, a caddis imitation can still generate the most strikes from hungry trout.

Maybe ounce for ounce the caddis offers more protein?  Maybe they just taste better than other insects?  I'll leave that field test to you.  Regardless of the reason, I always carry several caddis flies in my fly box when I'm fly fishing and so should you.

Let's take a look at the adult.  One of the classic dry flies, originated by Al Troth, is the Elk Hair Caddis.  This is a must have.  I love this fly, partly because of my bad eye sight.  The elk hair wing is really easy to see on the water.  Also, the hackle and body can be tied in different collors to cover a whole range of caddis varieties.  This fly also is a great searching dry fly.  I've tied this on when I can't seem to make anything happen with anything else above or below the water surface and I've had some pretty amazing results.  To be honest, I'm not sure why this fly is so effective.  It just might be that because its design sits it high on the water and creates a wonderful illusion of movement that the trout just can't pass it up.

As an alternative to the elk hair caddis, I use the parachute caddis.  Again, the white calf tail hair post makes it highly visible.  The design is much closer to the real caddis with its wings folded back.  Look at the two imitations and compare them to the picture above and see for yourself which looks more life like.  Because of its design, it sits lower on the water.  That fact, along with its profile maybe what make trout jump for these.  Again, I'm not sure how many caddis float downriver with their wings folded back, enjoying the ride, but trout gobble them up nonetheless.

I tie both of thes flies in slightly different colors and several different sizes.  Again, since we are just talking basics, you really need to have some caddis flies in your bag of tricks.  If you only have one adult, I recommend the Elk Hair Caddis, but if you have room, it's always nice to have some options.