Caddis Nymph

A compact beadhead caddis larva with a tapered cream latex body and clear flexible finish.

The source index labels a Beadhead Caddis Nymph but does not provide the pictured fly’s recipe. This page uses Ed Berg’s separately published Caddis Larvae dressing as a reproducible beadhead exemplar; the index photo has not been identified as Berg’s fly.

At the vise: Beginner friendly
Common sizes: #10

Flies for Trout

Tie this fly Find a tyer

From hook to fly

At the vise.

5 steps

Work through the numbered steps in order, using the materials list and written proportions as your guide.

Mount the bead
Slide the brown tungsten bead onto the scud hook and clamp it in the vise. Start white thread just behind the bead and build a small thread stop.
Anchor the body strip
Tie the natural round latex just behind the bead. Stretch it and bind it down along the curved shank to the bend.
Smooth the foundation
Return the thread toward the bead over the tied-down latex to make an even, slender underbody.
Wind a tapered larva
Wrap the latex forward while gradually reducing tension. The later turns become slightly thicker toward the bead, forming a tapered larval body.
Finish and coat
Tie off the latex behind the bead, trim it and whip finish. Brush a thin, continuous layer of clear flexible Softex over the body and allow it to dry.