Apple Caddis

Overview

The Apple Caddis is a vibrant, early-season caddisfly (order Trichoptera) named for its apple-green body, found in cold, clear streams across the eastern United States. Synchronized hatches in April and May kick off strong dry-fly fishing, with trout aggressively feeding on both emerging adults and egg-laying females during warm afternoons.

Nymph

Larvae are case-builders, constructing tube-like cases from sand, pebbles, or plant material. They run about 1/2 inch, pale green to brown. They're not commonly targeted at this stage, though patterns dead-drifted along the bottom in riffles and runs can be effective. Hook sizes: 14 to 16.

Dry/Adult

Adults run about 1/2 inch, with bright apple-green bodies and dark brown wings held tent-like over the back. Fish the afternoon hatch or evening egg-laying with a dead drift, or skitter the fly to imitate erratic egg-laying movement, focusing on moderate current. Hook sizes: 14 to 16.

Curated by the IdentaFly fly fishing team.