Fly Fishing Tips: How to Tie a CDC Caddis Fly

Fly tying is not always about creating elaborate works of art. For many of us it is simply trying to tie the simplest, most effective flies. One of my most effective flies that only requires two materials and can be tied very quickly is the CDC Caddis. This imitation is deadly when caddis flies are hatching and can be fished many different ways.

The only two materials you will need to tie this fly are CDC feathers and dubbing. Hook sizes can range from a 12 to a 20, but typically I use size 14-18 hooks. The tying directions could not be simpler. After you get your thread started wrap your dubbing around the thread. Then wrap the dubbing up toward the head, but not all the way to the front of the hook. Leave enough space to tie in the CDC. Take 3-4 CDC Feathers and line them up in your fingers so all the tips (not the base) of the feathers line up. Hold the CDC so the tips line up with the end of the hook and the base of the feathers are facing the front of the hook. Tie the feathers off and cut away the excess feathers near the front of the hook. Finish the fly with a little dubbing near the front of the hook to cover the base of the feathers. Finish with a knot and your finished.

The CDC is naturally buoyant so the fly will float without floatant and floatant should never be added to the CDC. Use different colors of dubbing to match the type of caddis you are trying to imitate. For CDC I recommend using black, gray, or dark blue. The darker color of CDC will make the fly appear more natural, because most caddis flies have darker wings. My favorite color patterns are black dubbing with black CDC, gray dubbing with black CDC, tan dubbing with gray CDC, and green dubbing with gray CDC.

This pattern also can be fished a few different ways. As always the typical dead drift is an option, but this fly can be swung or even pulled under the surface and it will pop back up. Since the CDC is so buoyant you can imitate emerging caddis flies by pulling the fly under the surface and letting it resurface. Typically I will let the fly swing until it sinks and then by giving the line a little slack the fly will resurface. This can be deadly when fish are taking emergers.

Fly tying for me is about tying the simplest most effective patterns. I am always looking to create flies that use fewer materials and ones that can be tied in less than five minutes. However, the key factor is still that the fly is effective in catching fish. The CDC Caddis fits all these requirements. This fly is quick and easy to tie and has proven its effectiveness in catching fish. Next time you sit down to tie some flies tie up a few CDC Caddis flies, you will be amazed at how quickly you can finish one and then you will be amazed at their effectiveness in catching fish.