Net Builder Caddis Custom-tied Dozen

The Net Builder Caddis Nymph is a specialized and highly effective fly pattern that imitates the larvae of caddisflies in their "net-building" phase. These larvae construct silk nets in which they live and wait for food to drift by. The Net Builder Caddis Nymph is designed to mimic the behavior and appearance of these larvae, making it a particularly useful pattern in waters where caddis hatches and larvae are prevalent.

Description:

• Type: Nymph
• Size: Typically tied in sizes 12 to 18, with size 14 and 16 being the most common. However, it can be tied in both larger and smaller sizes depending on the specific caddis species being targeted.
• Color:
  • The body of the Net Builder Caddis Nymph is often olive, brown, or tan, to represent the coloration of caddis larvae in their natural state.
  • Abdomen: The abdomen is typically wrapped with dubbing or chenille and is designed to imitate the segmented appearance of the nymph’s body. It may also include subtle flash or ribbing (such as gold or silver wire) to add realism.
  • Thorax: The thorax area is often slightly bulkier to imitate the larvae’s head and thoracic region, sometimes with darker colors like brown or black.
  • Tail/Legs: The Net Builder Caddis Nymph typically has fine legs made from hackle fibers or synthetic materials, mimicking the small, delicate legs of the caddis larvae.
  • Head: The head area of the fly is often darker to represent the natural head of the caddis nymph. Some patterns also use small beads or coneheads to add weight, simulating the heavy nature of the nymph and aiding in sinking.
  • Net Attachment: Some versions of the fly incorporate materials that suggest the larvae’s silk net, often in the form of fine fibers or a soft, webby hackle that wraps around the fly body. This feature is especially prominent in artificial net-building patterns.

Where to Use It:

• Species: The Net Builder Caddis Nymph is primarily used for catching trout, including:

  • Brown trout
  • Rainbow trout
  • Cutthroat trout
  • Brook trout

  However, it can also be effective for targeting species like grayling, steelhead, and even smallmouth bass in certain rivers and streams.

• Locations:

  • Rivers and Streams: The Net Builder Caddis Nymph is most effective in rivers, particularly in freestone streams and tailwaters with clear, cool water. These are often environments where caddis larvae are abundant and actively building their nets. It works well in both fast-moving and slower, deeper sections of the river.
  • Rocky Bottoms and Riffles: Caddis larvae often build their nets in rocky or gravel-bottomed areas, and the Net Builder Nymph imitates them as they cling to the substrate, waiting for food to drift by. Fishing around these areas—such as riffles, pockets, and pools—is effective.
  • Shallow Pools and Runs: The fly can also be used in shallow runs and pools, where caddis larvae are abundant in the substrate and fish are actively feeding on them.

• Best Time:

  • The Net Builder Caddis Nymph is especially effective during spring, summer, and early fall, as this is when caddis larvae are most active and caddis hatches are in full swing.
  • This fly is ideal when caddis larvae are in their aquatic nymph stage, especially in rivers or streams with known caddis populations. It’s particularly effective in early mornings and late afternoons, when fish are actively feeding on caddis nymphs that are drifting in the current or emerging.

Fishing Techniques:

1. Nymphing Techniques:

   • Dead Drift: The most common technique for fishing the Net Builder Caddis Nymph is dead drifting. Cast the fly upstream or across the current, allowing it to drift naturally with the flow. This mimics the natural movement of caddis larvae as they drift along the bottom, often clinging to rocks or other structures.
   • Indicator Nymphing: You can fish the fly under an indicator (a float or strike indicator), which helps you keep track of the fly’s position in the water and detect strikes. This is especially effective in deeper runs or pools, where the nymph can sink to the fish's feeding zone.
   • Tightline Nymphing: For more advanced anglers, tightline nymphing (also called Euro nymphing) is a great technique. Cast the fly upstream and use a tight line with little slack to keep in contact with the fly. This allows for more precise control and better strike detection, especially when fishing fast-moving water.

2. Depth Control:

   • To ensure the fly gets into the right feeding zone, you may need to adjust your fishing depth. In fast water, use a heavier nymph or a weighted version of the Net Builder Caddis Nymph (with a bead or lead wire), which will help the fly sink to the bottom more quickly.
   • In slower-moving pools, you can use a lighter setup, allowing the fly to drift more slowly through the feeding lanes.

3. Casting to Structure:

   • Focus your casts on areas of structure in the river, such as rocks, riffles, and gravel beds, where caddis larvae are most commonly found. These areas often hold fish that are actively feeding on the larvae.
   • Cast upstream or across to allow the fly to drift naturally toward the structure. Let it sink and drift past likely feeding fish in pockets or behind rocks.

4. Drift Duration:

   • Allow the fly to drift for several seconds in each spot before re-casting. Caddis larvae often drift with the current for a longer period, so give your fly plenty of time to present itself naturally.
   • Vary your retrieve speed if needed, but most of the time, the fly should be allowed to drift passively. If the fish are not biting, try slightly twitching the fly or using a slow retrieve to simulate a nymph moving or struggling.

5. Strike Detection:

   • Watch your indicator (if using one) or line tension closely for any signs of a strike. Caddis larvae are a favored food source for trout, so fish are likely to take the fly aggressively. A subtle dip in the indicator or a sudden slack in the line are good signs that a fish has taken the fly.
   • If you feel a sudden tug or see a slight pause in the drift, set the hook firmly. With nymph fishing, it's important to react quickly when you feel a bite, but also avoid setting the hook too soon, as fish often take the fly more gently.

6. Matching the Hatch:

   • Pay attention to what caddis larvae are in the area and what size and color they are. Adjust the size and color of the Net Builder Caddis Nymph to match the natural insects you observe in the water. The fly is most effective when it closely resembles the larvae that trout are actively feeding on.

7. Using Multiple Nymphs:

   • For even greater success, use a double nymph rig with the Net Builder Caddis Nymph as your lead fly and a smaller nymph (such as a pheasant tail or hare’s ear) as a dropper. This gives fish multiple options to choose from and increases your chances of attracting their attention.

Conclusion:

The Net Builder Caddis Nymph is a highly effective fly for targeting trout and other freshwater species that feed on caddis larvae. Its realistic imitation of the net-building caddis larvae in their natural aquatic habitat makes it particularly successful during caddis hatches and when nymphs are drifting through the water. By employing a variety of nymphing techniques—such as dead drifting, indicator nymphing, and tightline nymphing—and focusing on areas where caddis larvae are abundant, anglers can greatly increase their chances of success with this versatile and realistic fly pattern.

Also available:

https://silvereyeflies.com/products/net-builder-caddis-olive