FlyMasters of Indianapolis
Intermediate Fly Tying Class
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| Class: |
Caddis Fly Stages |
| Date/Time: |
August 1st, 2009, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Maximum Size: |
8 |
| Instructor: |
Ian Anderson |
| Cost: |
$10.00 |
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Synopsis of Class
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Most trout fisherman (and women) know that Caddis flies are
a big part of any trout's diet. These flies are found
in almost all waters across the US and at all stages the
trout feed on them aggressively. Here is a little
information on the various stages of a Caddis' life.
Caddis fly larvae develop
through four stages (instars) over several months or even a
year. Pupation is almost always aquatic. There is usually
one generation per year.
Courtesy of
Upper Delaware River Insects
Caddis flies demonstrate a complete lifecycle, because
they undergo metamorphosis.
1. Egg
matures into larva.
2. The larva lives on the bottom
growing in stages called instars* (typically five) until it
matures. Some types of caddis like Rhyacophila are free
living, and don't build cases until the pupal stage, other
free living caddis like Hydropsychidae build retreats near
their catch nets. Others build portable cases, and abandon
them, building new ones as they grow.
A. A
free living caddis.
B. Caddis larva with a
portable case.
C. A free living caddis in
it's retreat near it's catch net.
3.
The larva then either seals it's case, or retreat, or builds
a case where it pupates (undergoes metamorphosis).
4. The mature pupa cuts itself free from it's
case and swims or crawls to the surface, where it sheds it's
pupal membrane, and emerges as an adult.
5. The adult caddis flies into the trees, and bushes
along the stream where it stays for two or three days.
6. Mating takes place either on the
ground or in the trees, and vegetation along the stream.
Mating gets underway as adults begin swarming in, and around
a tree, or bush. This activity signals the beginning of the
mating swarm, with the adult caddis using the bush, or tree
as a landmark, or focal point to gather.
7. Females fly off to deposit their eggs.
8. Methods of egg laying (ovipositing).
D. On bushes and trees overhanging the stream,
where rain will wash the eggs into the water.
E. On the stream surface.
F. Above
the stream surface.
G. Swimming or crawling
to the stream bottom.
9. Unlike
Mayflies after ovipositing adult Caddis flies don't die right
away, but fly off to live for a varying length of time.
*As invertebrates grow they shed
their exoskeleton numerous times these periods of growth are
called instars.
In this class we will be tying four
patterns to represent the four major stages of the Caddis'
life cycle. The following are the flies you will tie. All
are easy to tie and and vary productive.
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Nick's Caddis Pupa |
Caddis Larva
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Warryn's Caddis Emerger |
Peacock Caddis |
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All tying material will be provided. You will need to bring the
following tying equipment.
- A vise
- A Bobbin
- Tying Thread (for this class chartreuse, black and brown 6/0 or Lagartun Extra Strong
- Head Cement
- Scissors
- Half hitch tools and/or Whip Finish Tool
Call 317-570-9811 to get signed up or e-mail .
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