N0061 - October Caddis Pupa

The October Caddis Pupa is one of the most productive fall subsurface flies you can fish in the Rockies. While anglers focus on the big orange adults, trout often feed hardest on the pupal stage—when October caddis rise and tumble through the drift on their way to the surface. This fly imitates that vulnerable, high-protein moment and consistently draws eats when water temps drop and fish get aggressive.

Why it works

• Matches the most “available” stage of the October caddis life cycle

• Big profile = big target, perfect for fall flows and faster water

• Deadly in riffles, seams, and below structure where pupae get swept downstream

How to fish it

• Fish it as the lead fly in a two-nymph rig with a smaller dropper (midge/baetis) behind

• Focus on faster runs and transition seams, then slow it down in deeper buckets

• Best from late September through October, especially on overcast days or when you spot adults near the banks

If you want one fall nymph that feels like “cheating,” this is it. The October Caddis Pupa belongs in every autumn fly box for the Madison, Yellowstone, Blackfoot, Rock Creek, Bitterroot, and any river where big fall bugs are on the menu.