The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning
The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning
Little Black Caddis, Caddis, October Caddis
Easy - 1-3 Min
Coldwater
This specific pattern is meant to have a specific look and taper. For that reason there are limited substitution options on the Czech Catnip. A few easy swaps are able to be made though.
Hook & Bead: You can choose to use jig-style hooks and slotted tungsten beads for this pattern as well given it’s a euro-style czech nymph that is deep and used in tightline techniques along with traditional fly fishing methods.
Body 2: The Cactus Chenille used as the second part of the body can easily be replaced with Olive or Pheasant Tail Ice Dub or Prism Dub if need be.
Casing: The casing or back on this fly will also take on a similar look when replaced with Thin Skin in the correct color.
The Czech Catnip was originally intended to be a caddis imitation, but with some color changes and size variations it can be transformed into a Czech nymph attractor pattern for many types of aquatic insects. Playing around with colors like orange or purple can be the ticket to a great day on the water. You can add a tail of any color and even rubberlegs to this pattern as you begin to variate to accomplish a wide variety of insect imitations.
This pattern’s has two extremely beneficial features that make it stand out from the crowd. The first is it’s weight. With a tungsten bead and lead free wire this bug sinks like an anvil in “Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner”. Getting the fly in front of the fish is so crucial, and this pattern passes that test with flying colors. The second stand out factor is it’s taper. Caddis larva have a very recognizable taper that is difficult to recreate, but this fly hits the nail on the head. Realistic tapers and getting down to the fish means more opportunities at fish, tie some!
The Czech Catnip is designed to be fished very close to the bottom of the river. Let your fly get down, but beware of snagging the bottom and loosing flies. There is a happy medium between the two, it just takes a bit of getting used to. If you find yourself getting hung up a lot, then you can start tying them with jig-style hooks or shorten up your depth. Jig style will sit hook point up and get hung up less often.
| 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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| Regional Hatch Chart | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Region: West
Little Black Caddis Sizes: #14 - #20
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Region: Northwest
Little Black Caddis Sizes: #14 - #20
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Region: East, Midwest
Little Black Caddis Sizes: #14 - #20
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Region: Southeast
Little Black Caddis Sizes: #14 - #20
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| Regional Hatch Chart | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Region: West, Northwest, East
October Caddis Sizes: #8 - #12
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Copyright © 2003 – 2025 MidCurrent LLC, All Rights Reserved.