Caddis?

[Future Fanatic]

At the risk of appearing stupid once again, I was wondering if any of you could tell me if these are caddis flies or just some other bug (that hopefully resembles, to someone else besides me, in one shape or form, a caddis fly). I'm thirty miles north of the West Branch, and find it hard to believe that the hatch of these flies (that must have happened today or yesterday) would be caddis, here firmly into December.

Disclaimer: no bug was harmed in the making of this post. I asked them nicely to lay down next to the penny, and they did, gladly, because I brought them in where it was warm, next to the wood stove... Unfortunately, moments after the photo was taken, they flew, headlong into the flames... They were heard to say, " hey, I don't think this is a light bulb" just before a slight hissing and popping sound was heard.

By the way, the bugs in this photo are resting comfortably on a 100% alpaca ski hat. This buttery soft natural fiber that is three times warmer than wool (by weight) comes in a bevy of earth tone colors to match any fly fishing ensemble. They are just the thing to have when fishing the Delaware in these icy cold months. My prices are INSANE! PM me for availability and details .

John

 

[Fly Tier]

John,
Looking at the wing, it would appear to me that they are caddisflies as well. Tough to tell without taking a good close look.

With the hat being 3 times as warm as wool, any nice big socks woven up?
Does alpaca shrink in the wash? What happens when it rains?

Seriously, any socks or gloves?

 

[Andre]

I would say they are absolutely caddis.

 

[Future Fanatic]

Thanks to you both for the quick replies. I've attached some closer shots if that might help, FT. Going on the assumption that they are Caddis, isn't it a bit unusual for them to be flitting around NOW? I realize that the weather has been mild (mid forties this past week), but it's December! The creek they would have spent most of their lives in, is a "one jumper" that recently has been a "one and a half jumper" (the past two weeks or so - on and off). Thanks in advance for any replies.

John

FT: Of course, I was looking for a laugh, not a sale.

 

[dcabarle]

I've gotta agree with the rest of the crowd.. They are indeed caddis.

 

[JOE.T]

Hey guys what else would they be?

Mayflies?



FF

Aquatic insects will hatch when there ready to hatch.When there done "cooking" its happening.

 

[Fly Tier]

Future,
I have an article floating around somewhere on caddis hatches, winter caddis, etc... I will search it out and post it when I find it.

Joe T.- Could they be some sort of Alpacamites?

 

[HydeLowRider]

Pretty cool that you are seeing caddis hatch activity in December -- it is a tailwater fishery however, and anything goes on that river system...

 

[Future Fanatic]

HLR, I understand what you mean about odd things happening with the Delaware, but these Caddis I found here at my house, 30 miles farther north than the West Branch. If I had seen them pop out of the Delaware, I would not have had a doubt about what they were, but these I took off my front porch. Is this just "out of the ordinary" or "a little unusual" or "very unusual"? Joe T wrote that when they are ready, they are ready... so, is this just normal due to the type of weather conditions we have had this year?

FT, they are not alpacamites. Alpacamites look entirely different. We often see them hanging like icicles, down from the ceiling, out there in the barn ... or are those alpacatites. Alpacatites, alpacamites, I always get those confused... Oh it's a good thing that I'm not a spelunker...

John

 

[dcabarle]

FT, they are not alpacamites. Alpacamites look entirely different. We often see them hanging like icicles, down from the ceiling, out there in the barn ... or are those alpacatites. Alpacatites, alpacamites, I always get those confused... Oh it's a good thing that I'm not a spelunker...

John

You are too funny.