CDC & Elk

The CDC & Elk fuses Elk Hair Caddis buoyancy with CDC's surface-film adhesion, producing a pattern more effective than either alone in slow currents. A few CDC fibers under the elk hair tent wing create shimmer and film adhesion that fish find irresistible, particularly in clear water where an elk-hair-only fly sits too high. Especially productive on chalk streams and spring creeks with selective surface feeders. Tie it sparse.

Type

dry fly (Caddis)

Hook sizes

#12–18

Target species

trout

Difficulty

intermediate

Best seasons

spring, summer, fall

Materials

• hook: Dry fly hook #12–18
• thread: Tan or olive 8/0
• body: Tan, olive, or amber thread or fine dubbing
• underbody: 1–2 CDC feathers, tied along hook shank
• wing: Natural or dyed elk hair, tent style over CDC
• hackle: Brown or tan cock, 2–3 turns (optional)

Tying steps

1. Mount a size 12–18 hook; start tan or olive thread and wrap to bend.
2. Wind a slim tan or olive thread or dubbing body from bend to the 2/3 mark.
3. Tie in 2 CDC feathers along the body, curving slightly upward.
4. Stack a bunch of elk or deer hair; measure tips to the hook bend.
5. Tie in the elk hair over the CDC at the 2/3 mark as the outer tent wing.
6. Trim the elk hair butts to form a neat head.
7. Optionally wind 2 turns of brown hackle in front of the wing.
8. Whip finish and cement.