2010 Caddis Fly Swap

CDC & Elk

Hook: any dry fly (1X long if you prefer), sizes 18 to 2 ... there are over 5,000 species of Caddis.

Thread: 6/0 or 8/0 depending on hook size, color to match body

Body: One nice long fibered CDC feather, tied in at the bend, and wrapped forward with fibers (barbules) folded/stroked to the rear/rearward

Wing: any Deer, Coastal Deer, or Elk body hair that will provide a good tight wing that matches in color. Even Moose is acceptable if you’re tying real big flies.

Doesn't hurt to look for hair that has light colored tips so as to provide contrast and visibility. And always clip the hair very close to the hide, and clean out the underfur and fuzz before stacking.

This fly can be used during a huge variety of Caddis hatches, depending on size and color. And it is best fished dead drift. Although there are times when you might like to "skitter" it, or dance it on the surface. And the best way to do that is to fish it directly down stream as you tease a fish that you know is there. In this situation you want an exceptionally long leader that you can use to cast over the fish and then let the slack come out of it as you bring the fly back into the fishes window. Or, you can float the fly down to the fish and then bring it back into his window if he doesn't take it on the initial float-over. As you bring it back, (with no slack in the leader).....lift all the line off the water, and as much leader as possible. Then "dance" or skitter the fly imitating an egg laying Caddis. Very often it drives the fish crazy, so be prepared for violent strikes. Trout strike violently on a couple occasions during Caddis activity.....emergence, going for the Pupas, and during egg laying. On both occasions they are trying to insure that bug does not get away. For fishing this fly in fast and/or broken water, a hackle can be added in front.  3/4 turns are plenty.

Fly designed by Hans Weilenmann, Tied by Mark Romero. 

Click for Printable Recipe