Dry FliesDustup Caddis

The Dustup Caddis is a versatile dry fly that mimics a caddisfly in its adult stage. Its unique design allows it to ride high in the water, making it highly visible and attractive to feeding trout.

Season
Spring, Summer
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Dustup Caddis - Image source: Tightline Productions
Image source: Tightline Productions

Overview

A low-floating, soft-bodied caddis pattern often tied with CDC or Antron for the wing, a sparse dubbed body, and micro-fibers for legs. It imitates an adult caddis struggling to emerge and works especially well during the transitional stages of a hatch.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Stillwater
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Imitates: Caddisflies

Materials

Hook: Tiemco 100, size #12–#16
Thread: Tan UTC 70 denier
Body: Olive hare's ear dubbing
Wing: Natural deer hair
Hackle: Grizzly saddle hackle
Head: Tan deer hair

Fishing Tips

Season

Best used in late spring and throughout the summer when caddis are most active.

Presentation

Cast upstream and let it drift naturally with the current. Use a twitching motion to imitate a struggling caddis.

When to Use

Ideal when you see trout feeding on the surface, especially in the evenings when caddis are hatching.

Water Type

Effective in both still and moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Use a tapered leader to help with delicate presentations.

Visibility & Floatation

The deer hair wing and hackle help this fly to float high in the water, making it easy to spot.