Simon’s Jigged October Caddis Super Pupa: Jigged Fall Nymph Tying Tutorial

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This is one of Simon’s most productive fall flies. Fall anglers need to have October Caddis on the mind; if you don’t, let this serve as a reminder. They can be clumsy fliers, and ovipositing females can make a big meal to hungry trout. Fish can get especially keyed in on their pupal form subsurface. October caddis emergence primarily happens in the evening; much like the pupa, the adults are especially active at night. If you can’t fish all the way up until dark, you may go the whole fall season only seeing a few adult insects. The same holds true for pupa emergences. The nymphs emerge overnight leaving only a shuck on stream side rocks. Despite their nocturnal emergence, trout will still take a dead drifted or swung October Caddis Pupa during the day. They are so used to eating these high protein meals, that anything large and orange catches their attention no matter the time of day. This fly was originally tied on a #10 with a 4.6mm bead. With much more testing between when we filmed and now that we are posting, Simon has revised the recipe to use a smaller hook and bead. The larger size is a great option as flows bump, but the #12 with a 5/32 bead is most versatile. The ostrich this fly uses gives a super buggy and “juicy” look to the pupa. The body is built up with chenille, but any junk material would work great. A collar of CDC and Partridge gives the impression of legs and full wing pads. This fly works phenomenal dead drifted as well as swung. You always could let the fly swing on the end of your indicator drift. The super pupa is responsible for Simon hooking many large trout this fall and bringing some beasts to the net. It is just too good to pass up for a hungry trout.