McKenzie Caddis

LARVA SIZE: 12-16 mm, including case

LARVA COLOR: Green

PUPA SIZE: 10-16 mm

PUPA COLOR: Green body, tan shroud

ADULT SIZE: 11-14 mm

ADULT COLOR: Body green, showing a bit of blue or teal near the top. Brown wing.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS: Free-living larva; big cousin of the green rock worm. Body, wing, and shroud colors can vary, so it's always best to check a natural insect where you are fishing. Body and wing colors will darken when the insect is ready to lay eggs.

Mouse-over for alternate views: Larva    Adult 1    Adult 2

About McKenzie Caddis

This cousin of the green rock worm, or green caddis, is an important spring hatch on some western rivers, where the large size of the adult brings some of the biggest fish in the river to the surface.

Hatches begin in mid to late May, often starting after the end of the March brown hatch. Due to its timing, the hatch is sometimes referred to as the "Mother's Day Caddis," but that name is more proper for grannoms. Where it occurs, this hatch is a much-anticipated spring event. Adults are usually found on the water beginning at midday.

Articles About McKenzie Caddis

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Fishing the Middle Willamette with Brian Marz. Catching trout aplenty while dodging lightning bolts. But first: tales of the deadman. by Scott Richmond

STAGE

PATTERN

SIZE/
COLOR

PRESENTATION

WHERE

Larva

Sparkle Larva

8-10/green

Indicator, Tight line

riffles, just below riffles

Pupa

Sparkle Pupa

8-10/green body, tan shroud

Indicator, Tight line, Shallow nymph

riffles, just below riffles

Adult

Elk Hair Caddis

8-10/green-blue body

Standard dry fly

bankwater near foilage, below riffles