NymphPeeping Caddis Nymph
The Peeping Caddis Nymph is a weighted pattern designed to imitate cased caddis larvae found along stream beds. The yarn body mimics the debris case that protects the larva, while partridge legs and a dubbed head represent the exposed insect peeking from its shelter. A productive pattern for trout and grayling in freestone streams.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout, Grayling
Overview
The Peeping Caddis has become a go-to pattern for targeting trout and grayling feeding on cased caddis. The pattern can be tied in various colors to match local cased caddis species—brown, olive, and green are common choices. Barry Ord Clarke popularized a version using Dyneema thread and Antron wool for the peeping head. The tungsten bead and jig hook design allow the fly to sink quickly and ride hook-point up, reducing snags.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Jig hook, #10–#14
Bead: Tungsten slotted bead, 3.5–4.0mm, copper
Thread: UTC 70 denier, black
Weight: Lead-free wire wraps (optional)
Case/Body: Polypropylene yarn, olive, brown, or tan
Legs: Hungarian partridge hackle
Collar: UV Ice Dub, light gray
Head: Hare's mask dubbing, natural
Finish: UV resin or head cement
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as cased caddis larvae are always present in most trout streams. Particularly productive in spring before adult caddis hatches begin and in fall when trout are actively foraging along the bottom.
Presentation
Fish with a dead drift along the bottom, bouncing the fly through riffles and runs where caddis larvae congregate. The jig hook design helps the pattern tumble naturally. Can also be effective with a slow swing at the end of the drift.
When to Use
Best in streams with healthy caddis populations, particularly freestone rivers with gravel and cobble substrate. Excellent when fish are feeding subsurface but refusing standard mayfly nymph patterns. Works well during off-hatch periods as a searching pattern.
Water Type
Most effective in moving water with moderate to fast current. Target riffles, pocket water, and the heads and tails of pools. The weighted design makes it ideal for fishing seams and deeper runs where cased caddis are abundant.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 9–12 foot leader with 4X–5X tippet. Works well as a point fly in a two-fly euro nymph rig or under an indicator. Position split shot 12–18 inches above the fly for additional depth in fast water. Effective on a tight-line setup.
Visibility & Floatation
Sinks quickly due to the tungsten bead and optional wire wraps. The jig hook design keeps the hook point riding up to reduce snags. The contrasting dubbed head and partridge legs create a lifelike profile that stands out against the darker case body.
