BH Caddis Larva - Olive

A Subsurface Caddis Pattern That Works Year-Round

The Bead Head Caddis Larva in Olive is one of the most productive nymph patterns you can tie on in Colorado's freestone and tailwater rivers. Caddisflies are a dominant food source on the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, and Colorado River throughout the season — and trout key on the larval stage far more consistently than most anglers realize. The olive body, soft hackle movement, and weighted brass bead get this fly into the strike zone fast and keep it there.

Fish it dead-drift under an indicator, as a dropper off a dry fly, or as part of a two-nymph rig. The #14 is a workhorse for high-water and early season conditions; the #18 shines during low, clear water when trout get selective. Either size will produce on the Frying Pan's educated rainbows and the Roaring Fork's wild browns.

Pattern Details

• Style: Bead head nymph
• Color: Olive
• Sizes available: #14, #18
• Hook: Curved nymph hook
• Bead: Brass bead head — adds weight and flash
• Effective on the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, Colorado River, and most Colorado tailwaters
• Works year-round; especially productive during caddis hatches (spring through fall)

How to Fish It

Dead-drift on a tight line or under an indicator at depth. Pair with a Zebra Midge or RS2 as a dropper for a versatile two-fly rig. During active caddis hatches, swing it slightly at the end of the drift to imitate an emerging larva — trout will crush it.

Available in store at Glenwood Springs Outdoors, 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO.