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October Caddis – The Final Summer Staple for Trout and Steelhead
 Anglers in the Northwest have one last great big bug hatch to look forward to and we're on the very cusp of these flies becoming a major source of food for fish in our rivers: introducing October Caddis (genus Dicosmoecus).
Similar to the large Salmon and Stoneflies we find throughout the valley, coast and desert rivers, October Caddis are prevalent year-round. Whenever you peer down into the water and spot a large pebble-encrusted tube about an inch long you can be relatively sure you've encountered an October Caddis casing and hence a larva.
October Caddis Larva form two pebble encasements through their life cycle and trout will eat them when available with or without their shelter. A simple cased caddis is an effective fly for imitating these rolling, drfting larva. Beginning in late June, this fly produces strong results as a tool fly fished near the bottom on all rivers where you find this insect.
 Once October Caddis larva mature they will begin to pupate. Arguably the most vulnerable stage for this insect, the October Caddis pupa provide a substantial meal for trout on the feed. This fly can be fished below a large dry on a dropper or as the tool/trailer fly in a nymph rig. This fly fishes surprisingly well on the swing as well as on the dead drift. October Caddis pupa can be dramatic steelhead attractors on several of the moving waters we fish in both Washington and Oregon.
Like other Caddis, Fall October's hatch and survive for several weeks. You'll find them close to the banks flitting amongst the tall grass and low hanging tree branches. Downstream drifts tight to the banks will produce large trout looking for a large meal. Often times high sticking the rod and creating a waking, skipping action on these flies can elicit a hard strike. Casting these dries into the riffles and center of the river will not be particularly effective unless you are using the dry with a dropper method.
 October Caddis play a role in steelhead fishing as well. Well, at least a role beyond their indiscriminate of OC pupas below the surface. On rivers such as the Kalama, Cowlitz, Washougal, Wind, Kilckitat, Deschutes, N. Umpqua, Grande Ronde, and John Day amongst others, dry or skating style October Caddis flies can be some of the most gratifying to fish. All you'll need is a dry line, long leader and a good swing in the right spot.
October Caddis represent the advent of Fall in the Northwest. It's the last big fly of the summer, on a par with a Golden Stone in terms of size. Their presence signals a heightened activity amongst fish native to the Northwest and a signal to all of us to get out and enjoy the last truly fine weather days of the year.
 
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