The larva of the caddis or sedge fly live in small tubes on river beds. They construct the tubes from grains of sand, wood, plants or other tiny bits of detritus. When the larva is fully developed it seals up the case and turns into a pupa which remains in the cocoon and remains inactive for a while, depending on conditions. When ready to hatch it bites open the pupa case and rises through the water to hatch. Trout feed on the larva and on pupae risingto the surface, or on female flies who return to the water to lay eggs.
The Poopah Caddis is a fly that is relatively new, designed by Tim Fox in 1990 for use on the lower Sacramento, USA. Tim is the Manager of The Fly Shop in Redding, CA. In a relatively short time the Poopah has received widespread recognition as an excellent caddis pupa pattern- one which catches fish on a regular basis.
The fly is best fished as a dead drift with 4-6 feet of tippet using a stack cast method and feeding line. Guides also recommend using a mayfly pattern behind it.