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 Classic Bloodworm – J:son Midge Larva 5 Red (#18) The J:son Midge Larva 5 in Red is the definitive imitation of the "Bloodworm"—the larval stage of the midge that contains hemoglobin to survive in low-oxygen environments. This vibrant red color is a universal trigger for fish, making it one of the most productive patterns you can have in your fly box, especially when fishing over silty bottoms in lakes or the slower reaches of streams.
Despite its delicate size #18 profile, we have engineered this fly for practicality: the hook eye is no smaller than a size #18. This ensures that threading your tippet remains easy and efficient, even when conditions are challenging. With J:son’s signature anatomical segmentation and a lifelike, semi-translucent body, this red larva provides the exact visual cues trout, grayling, and rainbow trout look for when foraging near the bottom. It is a technical masterpiece that delivers results when precision is paramount.