In this video, Greg ties a very simple yet effective Jigged Green Caddis fly, which could be used in freshwater fisheries throughout the world. Any trout fisherman should have a selection of caddis nymphs available in their fly box.
He recommends tying it in sizes 14-18 with a 60° bend jig hook and a slotted tungsten bead in variations of chartreuse, green, and olive.
Use of a Gamakatsu J20 jigged hook or something similar with a 60° hook-eye bend with a slotted-tungsten bead is key to these flies “nymphing” effectively. The hook faces upwards during your drift lessening your chances of snagging on the bottom and you want to fish these types of flies deep and often times near the bottom. Tungsten beads give you the weight necessary to get the fly in the zone as quickly as possible and the weight to feel it on your rod for ultimate sensitivity.
Greg uses this fly on his European-nymphing setup as a terminal fly or a dropper, but you could also use it under an indicator or under a dry fly for a dry-dropper setup.
Jigged Green Caddis
Hook – Gamakatsu J20 # 10-16
Thread – Veevus 6/0 Black
Hackle – UV Select CDC Olive
Tail – none
Body – Whitlock SLF caddis green
Rib – Brassie copper chartreuse ultra wire (optional)
Wing case – none
Thorax/head – Black Ice Dub
Bead – Black slotted tungsten 1/8 or 5/32
