Master the Fall Hatch: The October Suspension Caddis Dry Fly Pattern

Fall is a magical time for fly anglers. As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, one of the most exciting hatches of the year makes its grand appearance—the October Caddis. These large, fluttering insects drive fish into a feeding frenzy, making it a perfect time to get your flies in the water. The October Suspension Caddis is ideal for making this time of year an epic adventure.

The Ultimate Fall Dry Dropper Fly

Designed to for both floatability and a realistic look, the October Suspension Caddis stands out among fall dry fly patterns. Its foam-wrapped body features a marked edge to help mimic the natural segmentation of the caddisfly and improve buoyancy. With a foam bullet head taken from the classic Balloon Caddis and a buggy dubbed thorax, this fly exudes the realistic look of the October Caddis while staying high and dry on the water. The added rubber legs not only mimic the movement of a living insect, but they also act as a trigger point, enticing fish as you skate it across the water.

What sets the October Suspension Caddis apart from other caddis patterns is its versatility. It floats high enough to fish as part of a dry dropper combo, allowing you to suspend a nymph or emerger underneath. This makes it perfect for targeting both rising trout and those holding deeper in the water column. Much like the popular hopper-dropper combo, the October Suspension Caddis lets you cover multiple depths, ensuring you won’t miss a feeding fish.

Why the October Suspension Caddis Should Be in Your Fall Fly Box

Realistic Appearance: The segmented foam body and bullet head closely mimic the October Caddis, with a buggy thorax and legs adding extra lifelike appeal.

Floatability: With its foam construction, this pattern floats high on the surface, making it ideal for fishing with a dropper underneath. Whether you’re dead drifting or skating the fly, it maintains its buoyancy.

Excitement on the Water: Fish love the size and movement of the October Caddis, and this pattern is a perfect imitation. The legs breathe life into the fly, triggering aggressive strikes, especially when fished across fast riffles or skated in the slower edges of a run.

Perfect for Fall’s Biggest Hatch: The October Caddis hatch is one of the most significant of the year. With this fly, you’re well-equipped to take full advantage of this hatch in the most productive and exciting way possible.

Regional Hatch Charts for the October Caddis

If you want to fish the October Caddis hatch successfully, timing and location are key. Here’s when and where you’ll find this hatch in various regions across the U.S., Canada, and Europe:

United States:

Pacific Northwest: September to early November (Oregon, Washington, Northern California)
Rocky Mountains: Mid-September through October (Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming)
Northeast: Late September through October (Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont)

Canada:

British Columbia: Mid-September to October
Alberta: Mid to late September
Ontario and Quebec: Early to mid-October

To truly take advantage of the October Caddis hatch, you need to fish under the right conditions. Here’s what to look for to increase your chances of hooking into aggressive trout:

Best Time of Day: The October Caddis is most active in the afternoon and early evening. Look for hatches between 2 p.m. and dusk, when the insects are most likely to be emerging and skittering across the water.

Weather Conditions: A mild, overcast day with little wind is ideal for the October Caddis hatch. These flies are less likely to emerge on cold, windy days, so plan your outings for warmer fall days with cloudy skies.

Water Types: Focus on riffles and faster-moving sections of the river where trout will wait to ambush these large caddis as they emerge. Fishing these areas with a dry-dropper setup can be especially productive, allowing you to target both surface-feeding trout and those holding below.

Create Your Own October Suspension Caddis
There’s something deeply satisfying about tying your own flies and watching them bring fish to the net. The October Suspension Caddis is an exciting pattern to tie, thanks to its foam body and realistic details. By crafting your own, you can be sure to have the perfect imitation for one of the fall’s most iconic hatches.

October Suspension Caddis Fly Tying Tutorial:

October Suspension Caddis Materials List:

Hook: Moonlit Premium TOGATTA ML102 sz8-12
Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 8/0 Fluoro Orange
Body: Moonlit Zero Gravity 1mm Tying Foam Bright Orange (edge marked with dark brown marker)
Bullet Head: Moonlit Zero Gravity Fly Tying Foam 2mm Bright Orange
Legs: Semperfli Silli Legs Fire Orange Barred
Wing: Semperfli Predator Fibers Silver Baitfish
Thorax: Moonlit Pine Squirrel Dubbing Rust Brown

Conclusion: Experience the Thrill of the October Caddis Hatch
Fall fly fishing doesn’t get much better than this. With the October Suspension Caddis in your fly box, you’re ready to take on the biggest hatch of the season. Whether you’re fishing the Pacific Northwest, the Rockies, or the rivers of Europe, this pattern will give you the edge you need to hook into some of the season’s best trout.

Don’t wait—get the materials you need, tie your own October Suspension Caddis, and experience the thrill of fishing this epic fall hatch. The trout are waiting, and the adventure is yours for the taking!