Black Caddis

Black caddis (or "Brachycentrus" species) is a common type of caddisfly found in many rivers and streams around the world. They typically hatch in the late spring and early summer and are an important food source for many fish species, including trout.

Hatch chart and information for the Black Caddis

Life Cycle:

Black caddis will spend the majority of their lives as larvae in the stream, building a protective case out of twigs, rocks, and other debris. When it is time to hatch, they will emerge from their cases as pupae swimming to the surface. Once reaching the surface, they shed their pupal shuck and take flight as adult caddisflies.

Habitat:

Black caddis larvae are typically found in streams and rivers that have moderate to fast currents and rocky or gravelly beds. Adults are typically found near the banks of the stream or rivers, where they lay their eggs.

Hatch Timing:

Black caddis twill hatch in the late spring and early summer, with the peak of the hatch occurring in May and June in many regions. However, timing can vary depending on location and weather conditions.

Hatch Characteristics

During a black caddis hatch, you'll typically see a lot of adult caddisflies on the surface of the water, along with spent shucks from pupae that have hatched. The adults have dark, almost black bodies and wings, with a distinctive tent-shaped profile when at rest.

Fishing Techniques

When fishing during a black caddis hatch, try using dry flies that imitate the adult caddisfly, such as a Parachute Black Caddis, Black Elk Hair Caddis, or a Black X-Caddis. You can also try fishing nymph patterns that imitate the larval stage of the caddisfly, such as a Black Caddis Pupae Nymph, Pheasant Tail Nymph,  or Hare's Ear nymph. Don't forget to use an emerging Black Caddis as well with a Soft Hackle pattern as well.  Fish these flies on a dead drift or with a slight twitch to imitate the movement of the natural insects.

Here's a basic hatch chart for black caddis:

Fly Pattern | Hook Size | Hatch Time

Parachute Black Caddis Dry Fly| #12-16 | May - June

Materials List:

• Hook: Moonlit Premium Togatta Barbless Hook ML102 sz12-16
• Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed Thread 12/0 Black
• Body: Magpie Wild Barred Turkey Biot Grey Drake
• Wing: Semperfli Predator Fibers Black
• Post: Semperfli Hot Pink Poly Yarn
• Thorax: Semperfli Black Kapok Dubbing
• Hackle: Whiting Silver Badger 

Black Elk Hair Caddis Dry Fly | #12-16 | May - June
Black X-Caddis Emerger | #12-16 | May - June

Materials List:

• Hook: Moonlit Premium Togatta ML102 sz12-16
• Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Black
• Shuck: Semperfli Iron Blue Poly Yarn
• Body: Magpie Premium Wild Barred Turkey Biot Grey Drake
• Wing: Natures Spirit X-Caddis Deer Hair Medium Dun

Black Caddis Hot Spot Nymph | #12-16 | Year-round 

Materials List:

• Hook: Moonlit Competition Barbless ML062 sz12-16
• Bead: Moonlit Black Nickel Tungsten Bead sz to match hook
• Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 8/0 Fluoro Green
• Body: Semperfli Black Dirty Bug Yarn
• Rib: Semeperfli Hot Green .2mm Tying Wire
• Thorax: SRF Fire Cracker Black Club Dub Seal Sub Dubbing

Hare's Ear Nymph | #12-16 | Year-round

Note: The hatch timing and fly patterns can vary depending on your location and local conditions. It's always a good idea to check with local fly shops or fishing guides for the most up-to-date information.