Here’s the scoop on the Prime time Pupa—one of those flies that just works when caddis are doing their thing. Seriously, if you’ve ever seen trout sipping pupae like they’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet, this pattern’s your ticket.

Tying it? Keep it simple. Grab a curved caddis hook—#14 to #18’s my sweet spot, but hey, adjust for your water. Dub the body nice and buggy, then hit it with a thin wire rib for some segmentation and a little flash. (Pro tip: contrast that wire with the body color—fish notice that stuff.) For the thorax, go bright. Like, look-at-me bright. Synthetic or natural dubbing, doesn’t matter much, but make it pop. Toss in a couple strands of crystal flash for wing pads—just enough to glint—and a few hackle wraps to suggest legs. No need to over complicate it.

Why it slays? Caddis pupae are basically trout candy. When those bugs start emerging, fish key in on them hard. This fly nails that vulnerable stage when pupae are drifting up, kinda clumsy, kinda shiny. And let’s be real—trout can’t resist an easy meal that twinkles.

Where to chuck it? Anywhere caddis are thick. Freestoners, spring creeks, tailwaters—if there’s current and bugs, it’ll fish. Dead-drift it in the film or swing it soft; either way, hold on. Oh, and if you dig this one, check out the Sparkle Pupa. Same idea, just with extra bling for when the fish get picky (or you feel fancy).

Bottom line: It’s not rocket science. Tie it rough, fish it right, and watch your net get heavy.