Dry FliesFoam and Cone Caddis
The Foam and Cone Caddis is a reliable dry fly pattern that earns a permanent place in any trout fly box. The flat deer hair wing combined with a foam cone head creates an exceptionally realistic silhouette that fishes effectively even when presented static. The foam head provides unsinkable buoyancy while the deer hair wing delivers the classic caddis profile.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This pattern from Barry Ord Clarke solves the common problem of deer hair rolling around the hook shank. The key is ensuring a tight thread foundation, waxing your thread, and maintaining tension while tying in the hair. The foam cone head adds both buoyancy and a realistic head profile that triggers strikes. Can be tied in various colors to match local caddis hatches from tan to olive to orange for October caddis.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Mustad R43 or similar dry fly hook, size #12–#16
Thread: 8/0 or 70 denier, tan or brown
Body: Dubbed hare's ear or synthetic dubbing, tan or olive
Wing: Flat deer hair, natural or bleached
Head: Foam cone, tan or cream
Hackle: Brown or grizzle dry fly hackle (optional)
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective during spring, summer, and fall caddis hatches. Particularly productive from May through October when caddis activity peaks on most trout waters.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift or impart subtle twitches to imitate skittering adult caddis. The pattern fishes realistically even when static, making it forgiving for newer anglers. Cast upstream and allow natural drift through likely holding water.
When to Use
Best during active caddis emergences or when prospecting for rising fish. The high-floating design makes it visible in broken water where caddis often concentrate. Effective throughout the day during heavy caddis activity.
Water Type
Ideal for riffles, pocket water, and runs where caddis are common. Works well on freestone streams and tailwaters. The foam head handles fast, choppy water without sinking.
Rigging Suggestions
Use 9-foot leaders tapered to 4X or 5X tippet. The buoyant design supports small nymph droppers excellently. Apply floatant to the deer hair wing for extended floatation.
Visibility & Floatation
Exceptional floatation from the foam cone head—virtually unsinkable. The deer hair wing provides good visibility to the angler. Rides naturally in the surface film with realistic wing profile.
