Goddard Caddis

Description

The Goddard Caddis is a classic dry fly pattern designed to imitate the adult caddisfly—a staple food source for trout around the world. First developed in the 1960s by English anglers John Goddard and Clive Henry, the fly was innovative for its time, using spun and clipped deer hair to create a buoyant, realistic body. This construction allowed it to ride high in fast or broken water, while also presenting the characteristic tent-shaped wing of a natural caddis.

The pattern is built around a dubbed or thread underbody wrapped with spun deer hair, which is trimmed to a streamlined, canoe-like shape. A hackle collar near the head adds further buoyancy and movement, while the clipped hair body provides both flotation and a mottled, natural appearance. Thanks to the hollow deer hair, the Goddard Caddis stays afloat even in heavy riffles where other patterns may sink.

Effective across rivers, streams, and stillwaters, the Goddard Caddis is a proven fly wherever caddisflies hatch. Trout are the primary target, but the pattern has also fooled grayling and other surface-feeding species. Its buoyancy makes it an excellent choice for fishing in rough water or as part of a dry-dropper rig.

Durable, practical, and timeless, the Goddard Caddis remains one of the most trusted caddis patterns in fly fishing history.

From Umpqua:

"The Goddard Caddis is already a confidence pattern for many anglers and fools trout on a regular basis. The origins of this fly date back to the 60's where John Goddard and Clive Henry developed this pattern for Stillwater fishing. Inspired by sedge patterns from the English lochs the Goddard was truly unique and floats extremely well."