How to Tie the Puterbaugh Foam Caddis Fly Pattern

Feb 06, 2023 · 2 min read

Learn how to tie the Puterbaugh Foam Caddis fly pattern, including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Improve your fly-tying skills here.

The Puterbaugh Caddis was developed by Don Puterbaugh, a long-time guide on the Arkansas River in Colorado. It floats well and presents a great silhouette in the water. It also uses very few materials and is easy to tie.

Material List

Hook: TMC 100 size 14
Thread: UTC 70 Denier in Tan
Body: Hairline 2mm Foam
Hackle: Whiting Saddle or Cape in Furnace

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Step One

Bronze hook in vise with pink foam donut and white thread, staged for Puterbaugh foam caddis fly tying tutorial

Begin the pattern by forming a thread base below the hook eye to the point.

Step Two

White foam caddis on copper hook held in vise with pink thread spool, close-up fly tying demonstration

For the body, we’re using tan foam. First, trim a thin section of material from the block, then secure the foam strip over the thread base. Be sure to clip the forward-facing foam before moving on.

Step Three

Hand-held Puterbaugh Foam Caddis with white foam wing and tan hackle held in vise, close-up fly tying detail

The Puterbaugh Foam Caddis’ wings consist of bleached deer hair. Stack a small clump of hair, tie it on over the foam with loose wraps, then crank tighter as you pull the hair rearward.

Step Four

Puterbaugh foam caddis fly with pale cream foam body, wispy white hackle tail and upright foam wing on hook

Push the deer hair further back by turning the thread in front of the fibers, then trim the forward-facing material.

Step Five

Puterbaugh foam caddis fly with cream marabou tail, tan foam body, orange-brown feather wing and tiny rubber legs on a hook

Smooth over the rough hairs with threads, then tie the saddle hackle by the tip in front of the wing.

Step Six

Puterbaugh foam caddis fly with white foam wing and orange-brown hackle clamped in vise

Advance the hackle’s tag end forward with overlapping wraps up to the eye, then secure and clip the forward-facing material.

Step Seven

White foam-headed Puterbaugh caddis with cream hair wing and brown hackle in vise, foam caddis fly tying close-up

Complete a whip finish, apply a dose of head cement, and you’re ready for the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch on the Ark!

Written by

Stephen D' Angelo

Stephen D'Angelo is a fly fishing expert with a passion for fly tying, gear, and time on the water. From small-stream trout to saltwater flats fishing, Stephen brings hands-on experience across a wide range of species and scenarios — and he's always happy to help you find the right setup for your next adventure.

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