Peeping Caddis

How it's tied

The body is typically formed using a combination of materials, such as dubbed fur or synthetic yarn, which is wrapped around the hook shank to achieve a tapered shape.

The distinguishing feature of the Peeping Caddis fly is the "caddis case," which is crafted from materials like peacock herl, Swiss straw, or natural raffia. This material is wrapped around the body, leaving a small portion of the dubbed fur or yarn exposed at the rear, to resemble the caddis larva emerging from its case. The case is often coated with a thin layer of UV resin or head cement to add durability and a touch of realism.

A small tuft of bright-colored dubbing, like green or chartreuse, is added at the head of the fly to represent the caddis larva peeping out from its case. A soft hackle, such as partridge or hen, can be added around the collar to provide movement and mimic the legs of the caddis larva. 

What it mimics

The Peeping Caddis fly is designed to imitate the caddis larva as it emerges from its protective case. The fly's realistic profile, carefully crafted case, and eye-catching head make it an effective and appealing pattern for targeting fish feeding on these underwater organisms, particularly during caddis hatches.

Where it's used

The Peeping Caddis fly can be in any place where you expect fish to feed on caddis larvae. When fishing the Peeping Caddis fly, use techniques such as dead drifting, tight line nymphing, or indicator nymphing.