Euro NymphsDoctor's Sweetmeat Caddis
The Doctor's Sweetmeat Caddis is a modern Euro-style caddis pupa pattern designed by Garrison Doctor, a Boulder, Colorado artist and accomplished fly tier. This jigged pattern features a durable wire body, flowing CDC collar, and flashy Ice Dub that combine to create an irresistible caddis imitation. The jig hook orientation keeps the fly riding point-up to reduce snags and improve hookups directly in the fish's upper lip.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases the innovative work of Garrison Doctor, a Boulder native whose artistic talents extend to fly design. The Sweet Meat Caddis was developed for Euro-style nymphing but works equally well under a strike indicator or as a dropper beneath a dry fly. The pattern features a CDC collar positioned only on top of the hook, allowing the wire body to remain visible from below. Different bead sizes from 2.3mm to 3.5mm allow anglers to tailor weight to water depth and speed.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak 450 BL, #14-16
Bead: Slotted Tungsten Jig Bead, gold, sized for weight (2.3mm-3.5mm)
Thread: Danville 6/0, brown
Abdomen: UTC Wire, small, golden olive
Collar: Ice Dub UV, brown
Wing: CDC, natural dun
Antennae: Mallard Flank, natural
Head: Ice Dub, peacock
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective spring through fall during active caddis periods. However, this pattern works as an effective attractor throughout summer when fish are conditioned to see caddis pupae regularly.
Presentation
Fish Euro-style with tight-line techniques, or suspend under a strike indicator in deeper runs. The pattern excels in pocket water where the heavy bead gets the fly into the strike zone quickly.
When to Use
Select this pattern during caddis emergences or as a searching pattern throughout summer months. The flashy bead and wire body make it particularly effective in faster pocket water where visibility is limited.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly riffles, pocket water, and runs where caddis pupae drift before emerging. The jig hook prevents snagging on rocky bottoms.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a Euro nymphing setup or traditional indicator rig. Excellent as a dropper under a large dry fly when fishing from a drift boat. Use 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet.
Visibility & Floatation
The gold tungsten bead provides flash and weight while the UV Ice Dub collar creates subtle sparkle. The CDC wing adds natural movement and traps air for lifelike appearance in the drift.
