Dry FliesHellion Caddis
The Hellion Caddis is a buoyant adult caddis imitation that combines traditional materials with modern touches for exceptional effectiveness. This pattern features a buggy hare's mask dubbing body, a dual-wing system with macrame yarn underwing and deer hair overwing, and a distinctive cerise hot spot that helps anglers track the fly in fast water. The combination creates a highly visible, well-floating caddis pattern that catches fish consistently.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases an innovative approach to adult caddis imitations. The Hellion Caddis uses a dual-wing system where the macrame yarn underwing adds buoyancy and a subtle underwing silhouette, while the deer hair overwing provides the classic tent-shaped caddis profile. The cerise hot spot serves dual purposes - it helps anglers track the fly in rough water while potentially adding an attractive trigger point. The hare's mask dubbing creates a naturally buggy appearance that caddis-eating trout find irresistible.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 100SP-BL, #14-18
Thread: Semperfli Nano Silk 18/0, brown
Body: Nature's Spirit Hare's Mask Dubbing, bleached ginger
Underwing: Polypropylene Macrame Yarn, grizzly bear
Overwing: Deer Hair (Comparadun style)
Hotspot: McFlylon, cerise
Head: Nature's Spirit Hare's Mask Dubbing, bleached ginger
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring through fall caddis hatches. Caddis activity can occur from April through October, with peak hatches typically occurring in evening hours.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift through riffles and runs, or add occasional twitches to imitate the active behavior of adult caddis. The buoyant construction allows for aggressive presentations without sinking.
When to Use
Select this pattern during caddis hatches or when prospecting caddis water. The high visibility makes it excellent for low-light conditions when caddis are most active.
Water Type
Designed for moving water, particularly riffles, runs, and pocket water where caddis hatches concentrate. The durable construction handles rough water well.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 4X-5X tippet. The buoyant design makes this an excellent indicator fly for dry-dropper rigs with caddis pupa or emerger patterns.
Visibility & Floatation
The cerise hot spot provides excellent visibility for the angler while the combination of macrame yarn, deer hair, and hare's mask dubbing ensures all-day floatation without constant redressing.
