NymphCaddis Quill Larva
The Caddis Quill Larva is a nymph pattern designed by Alice Conba. This effective pattern combines traditional materials with proven techniques for consistent results in a variety of water conditions.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Feb 2026
Overview
Alice Conba's Caddis Quill Larva uses stripped quill segments to create the segmented appearance of free-living caddis larvae. The pattern's slender profile and subtle coloration match the natural's appearance as it crawls along the bottom. The quill wrapping provides durability while maintaining the translucent quality that makes these larvae vulnerable to trout feeding near the substrate.
Materials
Hook: Medium or fine wire dry fly hook sizes
Thread: 8/0, black
Body: Peacock herl or dubbing
Wing: Painted Brown Swiss Straw
Hackle: Dark Brown hackle
Legs: Orange grizzly rubber
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Caddis larvae tumble helplessly after being dislodged from protective cases by floods or while moving between feeding sites on rocky substrates.
Where Trout Eat It: Fish hunt drifting larvae tumbling near bottom through runs, in pocket water, and along riffle edges where current dislodges them.
How to Fish It: Dead drift along bottom using high-stick or Euro techniques. Maintain contact while allowing natural tumbling action through structure.
Best Water: Target pocket water behind boulders, seams along structure, riffle edges with rocky bottom, and runs.
Strike Type: Detect subtle ticks, indicator hesitations, or slight tension changes rather than aggressive grabs.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Use a 9-10 foot leader with 4X-5X tippet. Add split shot 8-12 inches above the fly and a strike indicator.
Seasonal Timing: Most effective during peak feeding periods at dawn and dusk. Water temperatures between 45-65°F typically produce best results.
Pro Tips: Caddis larvae frequently tumble and drift during their active periods. Focus on seams, pocket water, and along bottom structure where natural drift occurs.
Entomology
Caddisfly larvae drift helplessly in the current after being dislodged from their protective cases by floods or while moving between feeding sites on the stream bottom. Fish actively hunt these soft-bodied morsels as they tumble along vulnerable and exposed near the substrate.
- Order
- Trichoptera
- Common Name
- Caddisfly
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- general