beadhead caddis emerger

The emerger stage of an insect is the vulnerable time when a nymph makes its way to the surface to “hatch” and become a winged adult. Trout key in on this stage and gorge themselves before the insect can hatch and get away, and swinging this pattern at the end of the dead drift replicates that attempt to get to the surface. Fish this pattern if you see just the backs of trout breaking the surface or at the very start of the caddis hatch for explosive results.