Elk Hair Caddis - Olive

The Classic Caddis Dry Fly in a Natural Olive

The Elk Hair Caddis in Olive is one of the most productive caddis dry fly patterns you can carry on Colorado's rivers. Developed by Al Troth in the 1950s, the Elk Hair Caddis is a timeless design — and the olive colorway is particularly effective on the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, and Colorado River where olive and dark olive caddis species are abundant throughout the season. Its natural elk hair wing, palmered hackle, and olive body create a convincing silhouette that trout key on from late spring through October.

Whether you're fishing a prolific evening hatch on the Frying Pan's technical tailwater or prospecting pocket water on the Roaring Fork, the Elk Hair Caddis Olive is a reliable go-to pattern that earns its place in every Colorado angler's box.

Pattern Details

• Style: Elk hair caddis dry fly
• Color: Olive
• Sizes available: #12, #14, #18
• Wing: Natural elk hair — tent-wing caddis profile
• Hackle: Palmered — high-floating, durable
• Matches olive and dark olive caddis species common on Colorado tailwaters and freestone rivers
• Peak season: late spring through fall; excellent during evening caddis hatches

How to Fish It

Dead-drift on a drag-free presentation during hatches. When fish are rising but refusing, try a subtle twitch or skitter at the end of the drift to imitate an egg-laying caddis. Fish the #10 or #14 during heavier hatches and higher flows; drop to the #18 on low, clear water when trout get selective. Works well as the dry in a dry-dropper rig with a BH Caddis Larva or soft hackle trailing 12–18 inches below.

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