Test pre-dawn caddis briefing
River Test below Stockbridge: pre-dawn caddis hatch
River Test below Stockbridge is seeing a sharp pre-dawn caddis hatch this week; brown trout are rising in the first light and taking emerging pupae in mid-current lanes. Water is running clear and calm, around 50°F (10°C), the precise trigger for predictable early-morning bug activity on this chalk stream.
Local ghillies are favouring dry dropper rigs with an adult caddis to the surface and a caddis pupa as the dropper, using 15–18 inches of tippet. When trout are keyed on emergers, a double dry fly rig—adult caddis plus emerging caddis—outperforms single patterns. Fly size #12 matches the hatch.
Nymph work calls for weighted Corded Caddis or Beadhead Pupa for fish cruising near the bed; supplementary patterns include Hare’s Ears, Frenchies, Pheasant Tails and peeping caddis for realism. Cast across and slightly downstream at roughly 45 degrees, then swing the flies to imitate a swimming pupa.
When and how it’s happening
Hatches peak in low light—first light and late evening—though many caddis species emerge again after dark. In faster runs trout give bulging, splashing riseforms; in slow glides larger fish show quiet porpoising rolls. A slating or skating caddis that throws a V-wake is drawing explosive takes this morning.
At first light a trout explodes under a skated caddis, white spray and a bent rod, then strips peel clean from the reel as the fish runs into the stones.
Recommended: strong fly tippet