The Bighorn River is known for its epic hatches, and during the summer months, caddisflies emerge in abundance, providing anglers with exciting fishing opportunities. Here are some top-performing caddis patterns to target these insects:
1. Double Duck Caddis
A classic caddis pattern, the Double Duck Caddis features two CDC wings that create a lifelike appearance and excellent flotation. Its simple design and versatile presentation make it a must-have for any fly box.
2. Frenchie
The Frenchie is a deadly nymph and a must have all summer long. Its simple construction and effectiveness make it a reliable choice for keeping on your line everyday.
4. CDC and Elk
This pattern combines CDC wings with elk hair to create a Hi Vis, buoyant fly that imitates our Tan Caddis. It's a great choice for targeting aggressive trout and is great to fish in the choppier runs.
5. CDC Bubbleback Caddis
The CDC Bubbleback Caddis is a versatile pattern that can be fished as a dry fly or a subsurface. Its CDC bubble imitate an emerging caddis pupa exactly.
6. Poodle Sniffer
This is the #1 Caddis pupa pattern on the Bighorn. It's simplicity is hard to beat and the fish cannot resist this pattern when the Black Caddis are about to emerge.
7. Duracell Jig
A heavy weighted jig nymph that can be fished deep in the water column. Its purple UV body shows up in all light conditions and is a great attractor during the Summer months.
By tying and fishing these patterns effectively, you'll be well-prepared to capitalize on the Bighorn River's productive caddis hatches. Remember to experiment with different presentations and retrieves to find what works best on a given day.
