Dry FliesSlickwater Caddis

The Slickwater Caddis is a dry fly pattern designed to float high and stay visible in fast, choppy water. It's a great choice when caddisflies are hatching and the fish are looking up.

Season
Spring, Summer
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Slickwater Caddis - Image source: Iron Bow Fly Shop
Image source: Iron Bow Fly Shop

Overview

Tied for flat, clear water, this delicate caddis imitation uses CDC or sparse deer hair wings, a slim dubbed body, and fine hackle. It sits low in the film to match vulnerable emerging adults and is best tied in natural colors like tan, olive, or gray.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Imitates: Caddisflies

Materials

Hook: TMC 2488 #20 - #12
Thread: Uni 17/0, White Abdomen: Chenille, Brown
Wing: Congo or EP Fibers, Tan
Post: Parapost Fluorescent Orange
Hackle: Grizzly Brown

Fishing Tips

### Season

Spring and Summer

### Presentation

On the surface, with a dead drift or slight skittering action.

### When to Use

During a caddisfly hatch, particularly in fast water where other patterns might get swamped.

### Water Type

Slickwater Caddis is designed specifically for moving water.

### Rigging Suggestions

Use a standard dry fly rig, with a 9-foot leader tapered to 5X or 6X.

### Visibility & Floatation

This fly is highly visible thanks to the elk or deer hair wing and the grizzly hackle. The dense hackle and hair wing also help it float high in the water.