Top Caddis Patterns for the Bighorn River

The Bighorn River is known for its epic hatches, and during the summer months, caddisflies emerge in abundance, providing anglers with exciting fishing opportunities. Here are some top-performing caddis patterns to target these insects:

1. Double Duck Caddis

A classic caddis pattern, the Double Duck Caddis features two CDC wings that create a lifelike appearance and excellent flotation. Its simple design and versatile presentation make it a must-have for any fly box.

2. Frenchie

The Frenchie is a deadly nymph and a must have all summer long. Its simple construction and effectiveness make it a reliable choice for keeping on your line everyday.

4. CDC and Elk

This pattern combines CDC wings with elk hair to create a Hi Vis, buoyant fly that imitates our Tan Caddis. It’s a great choice for targeting aggressive trout and is great to fish in the choppier runs.

5. CDC Bubbleback Caddis

The CDC Bubbleback Caddis is a versatile pattern that can be fished as a dry fly or a subsurface. Its CDC bubble imitate an emerging caddis pupa exactly.

6. Poodle Sniffer

This is the #1 Caddis pupa pattern on the Bighorn.  It’s simplicity is hard to beat and the fish cannot resist this pattern when the Black Caddis are about to emerge.

7. Duracell Jig

A heavy weighted jig nymph that can be fished deep in the water column. Its purple UV body shows up in all light conditions and is a great attractor during the Summer months.

By tying and fishing these patterns effectively, you’ll be well-prepared to capitalize on the Bighorn River’s productive caddis hatches. Remember to experiment with different presentations and retrieves to find what works best on a given day.