Description
The first stage in the life cycle of a caddis fly is the larva. Found in both still and moving waters, these insects are a constant and vital food source for fish. Depending on the species, caddis larvae are either case-builders, net-spinners, or free-living.
Case-building larvae construct protective homes from sand, stones, or plant material. As they grow and move between cases, they become highly vulnerable. Net-building larvae use silk to create food-catching structures, while free-living larvae move openly across the bottom.
Most often, you will find these larvae on the bottom; they only accidentally drift downstream in moving water or when searching for new feeding grounds. Those living in still water move slowly across the lake bed. To be successful, it is necessary to fish your imitations as close to the bottom as possible. Many seasoned anglers consider a realistic caddis larva imitation to be among the best, if not the best, trout flies available.
The Heavyweight Larva – J:son Caddis Larva 1 Olive Brown (#6) The J:son Caddis Larva 1 in Olive Brown is our largest and most substantial larva imitation, tied on a powerful size #6 hook. This fly is designed to mimic the largest caddis species during their larval stage, providing a high-protein target for trophy trout, grayling, and other bottom-feeding fish. The Olive Brown coloration is expertly chosen to blend with the natural debris and substrate of river and lake beds, offering a lifelike translucency that is a hallmark of the J:son design.
With its anatomically correct segmented body and realistic front section, this larva is built to be fished deep and slow. Its size makes it particularly effective in larger rivers or during periods of high water when larvae are often dislodged and swept into the current. By fishing the #6 Olive Brown Larva close to the bottom, you are presenting a meal that fish recognize as both significant and vulnerable—the perfect combination for a successful day on the water.