Dry FliesPuterbaugh Foam Caddis
The Puterbaugh Foam Caddis is a highly buoyant, durable dry fly designed to imitate adult caddisflies. Its foam body floats all day, even in choppy riffles, making it a favorite among guides and anglers alike.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Beginner
Trout
Overview
This high-floating caddis dry fly uses a folded foam body to mimic the wing silhouette of an adult caddis. Tied with a dubbed body, short legs or hackle for movement, and a strip of foam folded over as the wing, it's durable and floats well in riffles and fast water. The foam adds buoyancy while keeping the pattern simple and effective.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Firehole Sticks 419, Tiemco 100SP-BL #14-18
Thread: 14/0 Veevus, Gold, UTC 70 denier, Tan
Body: Tan 2mm Foam
Underwing: Z-Lon or Antron yarn
Wing: Elk Hair
Hackle: Rooster Neck or Saddle Brown/Grizzly
Fishing Tips
Presentation
Dead drift or skated across the surface to imitate fluttering caddisflies.
When to Use
During caddis hatches or as a high-floating dry in pocket water.
Water Type
Best in moving water such as freestone streams and riffles.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish solo or as the lead fly in a dry-dropper rig.
Visibility & Floatation
This fly floats extremely well due to the foam body and elk hair wing. The grizzly hackle adds visibility and surface tension support in turbulent water.
