CDC Elk Hair Caddis
Hook: Tiemco 102 Y #11-#17 (this is a black off size dry fly hook) or standard dry fly hook
Thread: Brown 6/0
Body/hackle: CDC feather
Wing/head: Elk or coastal deer hair
There are only two ingredients to this fly. The body is comprised of a wrapped CDC feather. The feather is tied in by the tip at the hook bend and wrapped forward using hackle pliers. The color of the feather should match the natural. Natural CDC is perfect for tan caddis. When choosing a CDC feather for the body, the rule of thumb is that it should be approximately 2 ½ times the hook shank. When you wrap it towards the eye, stroke the CDC fibers back. These fibers undulate in the water giving the fish the appearance of a “living” meal. When you wrap forward and tie off the feather make sure you leave enough room to tie on your “elk hair caddis wing”. Make sure you wrap through the “butts” (head) of the caddis for maximum durability.
Remember that with CDC feathers, the use of fly floatant is a “no no”. With these two materials your fly is going to float like a cork anyway. Just take an additional false casts to dry off the fly. This pattern is easy to tie and it sure does catch fish.
If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Pattern of
The Month I can be reached at 203 305-3850, or e-mail me at pdinice@snet.net .
