Midge / EmergersSparkle Quill Caddis Pupa
The Sparkle Quill Caddis Pupa is a midge emerger pattern designed by Jude Duran. This effective pattern combines traditional materials with proven techniques for consistent results in a variety of water conditions.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Trout
Feb 2026
Overview
Jude Duran designed this pattern to represent caddis pupae ascending through the water column toward emergence. Stripped quill body creates realistic segmentation and a slim profile. Sparkle materials suggest the gas bubble that forms around emerging pupae. Wire rib adds durability and subtle flash. The pattern is most effective when fished with a slight lift to mimic the natural rising motion of caddis pupae. Particularly productive during afternoon and evening caddis emergences.
Materials
Hook: 14 - 18 curved nymph
Thread: Black 3/0 UNI
Body: Green UNI-Stretch. After tying in, split floss with needle. Insert small amount of pure white (very fine) Antron, then twist before wrapping body
Hooks: 2 small sections of black UNI 8/0 lacquered
Wingcase: Black Bugskin folded over and tied in at eye after dubbing and hackle
Dubbing: Fine black
Hackle (legs): Prime bull Starling
Behavior & Presentation
Natural Behavior: Fish intercept insects swimming up from the bottom, drawn to the flash of bubble trails and active movement. Anglers lift pupae patterns through the water column because this rising action triggers mid-depth strikes.
Where Trout Eat It: Fish intercept ascending pupae throughout the water column from bottom to surface film in moderate to fast riffles, pocket water, and tail-out zones.
How to Fish It: Fish with slow swing or dead drift near bottom, then lift rod tip to simulate pupa rising during emergence. The sparkle mimics natural gas bubbles.
Best Water: Focus on moderate to fast riffles, pocket water, tail-out zones, drop-offs, weed edges, and shoals where caddis pupae gather before emerging.
Strike Type: Look for subtle sips in film or mid-column flashes. Watch for subsurface takes as fish intercept ascending pupae.
Fishing Strategy
Rigging Suggestions: Use a 9-12 foot leader with 5X or 6X tippet. Fish under an indicator or as a dropper below a dry fly, adding split shot if needed to reach depth.
Seasonal Timing: Peak effectiveness from April through October when caddis emergences are strongest, with evening hatches particularly productive June through August.
Pro Tips: The sparkle material mimics emerging gas bubbles around natural pupae. Watch for subsurface flashes as trout intercept ascending pupae.
Entomology
Caddis pupae leave their protective larval cases and swim actively toward the surface in a distinctive undulating motion, trailing gas bubbles from their wing pads. Trout intercept these ascending pupae in the water column, drawn to the glinting bubble trail and the insect's animated movement.
- Order
- Trichoptera
- Common Name
- Caddisfly
- Organism Type
- insect
- Life Stage
- general