Hand-tied fly

Hook

Standard Dry Fly (e.g., TMC 100, Sizes 14-18)

Thread

Brown 8/0 (or matching dubbing color)

Body

Brown Super Fine Dubbing (or similar dry fly dubbing)

Wing

Natural Brown CDC Feathers (2-3 feathers, stacked)

Hackle

Brown Dry Fly Hackle (sized to match hook, optional but adds durability and floatation)

Preparation

Start the thread behind the eye and wrap to the bend. Prepare 2-3 natural brown CDC feathers by stripping the fluff from the base of the stems.

Body

Create a tapered body using the brown dubbing, stopping about 2/3 of the way up the hook shank.

Wing

Stack the prepared CDC feathers, measuring them so they extend just past the bend of the hook. Tie them in securely at the front of the body using several tight wraps, then trim the excess butts. Ensure the CDC fibers are distributed slightly around the top of the shank.

Hackle (Optional)

Select a brown hackle feather sized for the hook. Tie it in just in front of the wing. Make 3-4 wraps of hackle behind the hook eye and 1-2 wraps in front of the wing to secure it and improve floatation.

Finish

Build a neat thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement.

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This is a clean, well-proportioned CDC Caddis in a rich brown coloration, featuring a neatly dubbed body and a perfectly formed natural CDC wing. The lighting and focus are excellent, showcasing the materials clearly against the blurred tying bench background.

Hook

Standard Dry Fly (Sizes 14-18)

Thread

Brown 8/0

Body

Brown Super Fine Dubbing

Wing

Natural Brown CDC Feathers (2-3 feathers)

Hackle

Brown Dry Fly Hackle (Optional)

Preparation

Start the thread behind the eye and wrap to the bend. Prepare 2-3 natural brown CDC feathers by stripping the fluff from the base of the stems.

Body

Create a tapered body using the brown dubbing, stopping about 2/3 of the way up the hook shank.

Wing

Stack the prepared CDC feathers, measuring them so they extend just past the bend of the hook. Tie them in securely at the front of the body using several tight wraps, then trim the excess butts. Ensure the CDC fibers are distributed slightly around the top of the shank to form a natural caddis silhouette.

Hackle (Optional)

If using, tie in a brown hackle feather sized for the hook. Make 3-4 wraps of hackle behind the hook eye and 1-2 wraps in front of the wing to secure it and improve floatation.

Finish

Build a neat thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement.

Details

Imitates

Caddisfly

Targets

Trout, Grayling

Hook size

12-16

Colors

Brown, Tan