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Limnephilidae: A Special Caddis |
| By Robert Williamson
(As published in Utah Fishing magazine) The family of caddis known as Limnephilidae is one of the most fascinating. The common names of this family are the Orange Sedge, Fall Caddis and Periwinkle. Limnephilidae build their cases out of almost any material that is found in their habitat. Most of the river variety build them out of small minerals and particles of gravel from the stream bottom. The larva cement the particles together with a sticky silken thread that lines the inside of the case. Most of these caddis mature within a year. Before pupation takes place, the larva will seal off the end of the case and attach the case to the bottom of rocks and other debris on the stream bottom. The pupae are usually fully developed within three to eight weeks. When development is completed, the pupae will open the end of the case and in most instances swim quickly to the surface. Free from the nymphal shuck, the adult caddis flies to the streamside vegetation. After mating, the females return to the water to oviposit. This is usually done by the females flying above the water and then dipping their abdomens in the water and dropping off the eggs. The eggs settle onto the bottom where they hatch and the whole process is repeated. One of the most important things that the serious student of flyfishing can do is to take a stream sample of the types of aquatic insects that inhabit the water he fishes. If the samples can be found and studied, it does not really matter if you know the scientific names as long as you can tie up a reasonable imitation. The best time to fish the imitations is when the pupae are emerging or when the females are depositing the eggs. Great fishing can be had if you happen to be on the stream just before dark or during the time of emergence when many of the caddis flutter and struggle to leave the water's surface. The Leisenring Lift can be very productive at such times. Another technique which produces good results at times of emergence is to skitter an elk hair caddis across the surface of the water. The Limnephilidae that are about an inch to one and one-half inches long are easily imitated by the nylon cord caddis larva. This imitation is nothing more than a piece of woven nylon cord of various colors that match the case of the natural. The cord is cut into a section about three quarters as long as the hook shank. This section is slipped over the eye of the hook and then the back end is singed slightly by a match or lighter. The front is simply tied off with thread and a small hackle added to simulate the legs. Adults can be imitated by the elk hair caddis, bucktail caddis, Goddard caddis or a variety of other good patterns. Emerging caddis can be imitated by any of the soft hackled wets in colors that match the caddis you want to simulate. Many of Utah's streams contain Limnephilidae caddis. Check the waters that you fish and sample the colors of the ones most prominent. Tie up an imitation or have a local shop tie up an imitation and then get back on the stream and see if your success increases. Nylon Cord Caddis Larva (Imitates caddis with case) HOOK: #8-14 CADDIS CASE: Nylon cord (brown, cream, tan) THREAD: Black LEGS: Black hackle or partridge feather |
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