Craig Mathews' X-Caddis features a Z-Lon trailing shuck suggesting a caddis in mid-emergence. Trout key on cripples, and this pattern is often more effective than a fully-dressed adult caddis. Tied in tan, olive, or gray to match different caddis species.
1. Thread base — Attach tan thread behind the eye and build a base to the bend.
2. Shuck — Tie in a small bunch of tan/amber Z-Lon at the bend, extending one hook-gap rearward to suggest the pupal shuck.
3. Body — Dub a full, slightly rough tan body from the bend to the 3/4 point.
4. Wing — Stack a modest bunch of elk hair to align the tips. Tie in at the 3/4 point with a few firm wraps, angling back low over the body. Tips should extend just past the hook bend. Trim the butts at an angle.
5. Head — Build a small head over the trimmed wing butts. Whip finish and apply head cement.
hook
thread
tail
body
wing
Hydropsyche spp.
Various
