The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning
The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning
Caddis
Easy - 5-7 Min
Coldwater
The X2 Caddis is just a much improved version of the classic Elk Hair Caddis. It has a substitution option, but otherwise it is best to stick with the recipe given. The fish think so too!
Tail:Â Any of the many Anton equivalents will work just fine. Zelon is always a solid choice.
This fly is usually tied in, but not limited to, tan and olive. Having multiple sizes of both of those colors tied up before you go on exploring new things on this pattern is smart. Stick with the recipe, but play around with the color combinations as much as you’d like, especially if you’re trying to match the bugs in your specific river.
As if the old elk hair caddis didn’t have enough going for it, the X2 Caddis just had to come in and stomp all over it. This pattern sits more flush on the surface which gives it a more realistic look to the fish, always a plus. The tail, or trailing shuck, also give the fly a more appealing look from beneath. The shuck means that the bug would still be in the process of emerging, and therefore be an easier meal.
You’ll want to fish this fly wherever, and whenever you would normally fish an elk hair caddis. Unless the fish are super pick and spook at the slightest bit of flash, or something like that, this bug should work just as well if not better than the classic. It can either be fished alone, in a double dry fly rig as the first or second fly depending on size, or in a dry dropper rig.
| General Hatch Chart | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Caddis Sizes: #10 - #22
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Copyright © 2003 – 2025 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved.