Tabou Caddis – A Proven Caddis Emerger

Some patterns fade with time.
Others—like the Tabou Caddis—just keep catching fish.

Originally developed by Steve Schweitzer, the Tabou Caddis is a deadly caddis emerger pattern that’s stood the test of time. This rework brings it back with a fresh twist, while still respecting the core design that’s made it a trout favorite.

🐛 Entomology Meets Impressionism

Caddis hatches are some of the most important events on a trout stream. While mayflies get the fame, caddis are the meat and potatoes of a trout’s diet in many waters.

Caddis emergers often rise quickly through the water column, kicking and struggling to break free. Gary LaFontaine—yes, the man who literally strapped on scuba gear to observe these bugs underwater—was one of the first to explain how much movement and shimmer mattered during the emergence. But while Gary’s work lit the path, it was Steve Schweitzer who gave us the Tabou: a pattern that moves like the real thing.

🧵 The Original Pattern

Tabou Caddis was tied with a few carefully selected soft materials—and a unique touch: a rib of Stretch Magic, giving the fly both translucency and subtle segmentation. It wasn’t flashy—it was smart.

Steve even took the time to comment on my original video when I first shared my version years ago. That always stuck with me, and it’s part of why I wanted to rework this fly the right way—with respect.

🎣 My Twist – Midge Diamond Braid

In this rework, I sub in yellow midge diamond braid for the original ribbing material. It gives the body a bit more pop underwater—just enough to trigger strikes without turning it into a disco ball.

Every other material stays true to the spirit of the pattern. Soft, natural fibers that move in the current and silhouette like the real thing.

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🪡 Materials – Tabou Caddis Rework

• Hook: Curved emerger hook, sizes 12–16

• Thread: Light olive 8/0

• Body: Chick-a-bou dyed pale yellow

• Rib: Yellow midge diamond braid

• Hackle: Top portion of the chick-a-bou feather

• Wing: Pale yellow saddle tip (soft hackle)

• Head: Pale yellow marabou dubbing (from feather base)

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🧠 How to Fish It

This fly was made to be swung.

Fish it deep, just above the bottom, and let it rise naturally in the current—Leisenring lift style. It imitates a caddis pupa kicking to the surface, and trout hit it like they’ve seen it a thousand times before.

Use just enough shot to control depth, and swing it through likely holding water. That soft hackle will pulse and flash in just the right way. It’s subtle. It’s suggestive. And it works.

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🙌 Credit Where It’s Due

This fly belongs to Steve Schweitzer—I just brought it back with a slight remix. Much love and full credit to the original mind behind it.

This rework isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about keeping proven patterns alive, passing them down, and putting your own touch on flies that catch fish—not just likes.

🛸 As always, come aboard the mothership connection.

– Johnny Utah
Watch the Full Video Tutorial
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