Dry FliesBPS Spent Wing Caddis

The BPS Spent Wing Caddis is an excellent pattern for imitating a spent caddis fly that has laid its eggs and is drifting lifelessly in the water. Its unique design makes it sit low in the water, giving it a realistic profile that fish find hard to resist.

Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
BPS Spent Wing Caddis - Image source: Orvis
Image source: Orvis

Overview

The BPS Spent Wing Caddis mimics a caddisfly that has finished laying eggs and lies motionless on the water's surface. It features a downwing made from spent CDC or comparadun-style fibers splayed to either side, a sparse dubbed body, and light hackle for support. The low-profile silhouette and subtle footprint make it ideal for calm water and picky trout during caddis hatches. It's a delicate tie that rewards careful wing positioning and minimal bulk.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Fall
Imitates: Caddis

Materials

Hook: Daiichi 1180, size #14–#18
Thread: Olive Uni-Thread 8/0
Body: Olive Antron dubbing
Wing: Natural deer hair
Hackle: Grizzly hackle

Fishing Tips

Season

Spring to Fall

Presentation

Dead drift

When to Use

When caddis are hatching and trout are feeding on spent caddis

Water Type

This fly works best in moving water

Rigging Suggestions

Use a tapered leader of 9-12 feet with a 5X tippet

Visibility & Floatation

The deer hair wing and hackle make the BPS Spent Wing Caddis highly visible and buoyant.