Dry FliesClown Shoe Caddis

The Clown Shoe Caddis is an attractor dry fly pattern known for its oversized foam indicator. The pattern imitates a caddisfly, a common food source for trout, and its bright indicator makes it highly visible in different conditions.

Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Clown Shoe Caddis - Image source: InTheRiffle
Image source: InTheRiffle

Overview

Tied on a dry fly hook with a foam indicator post, dubbed body, and deer or elk hair wing, the Clown Shoe Caddis offers high floatation. The foam and bright spot improve visibility, making it a reliable dry-dropper lead.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Stillwater
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Fall
Imitates: Caddisflies

Materials

Hook: Tiemco 100, Size #12–#16
Thread: Tan UTC 70 denier
Body: Olive Superfine dubbing
Wing: Elk hair, tied bullet style
Head: Bright orange foam
Hackle: Grizzly

Fishing Tips

Season

This pattern is effective during the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons when caddisflies are active.

Presentation

This fly is best fished on the surface, either dead drifted or skated across the water.

When to Use

Use this pattern when you see caddisflies hatching or when trout are feeding on the surface.

Water Type

This pattern can be used effectively in both stillwater and moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Use a 9ft leader with a 5x tippet for best results.

Visibility & Floatation

The bright orange foam indicator makes this fly highly visible in different conditions, and it also helps the fly to float high on the water surface.