Simon’s Summer Searching Caddis

Anglers all over the world have fond memories of banner summer days with endless caddis dry fly eats. Caddis dries cast an appealing silhouette that trout can’t resist when they are keyed in on surface feeding in the warmer months. Elk hair is a naturally buoyant material making it a fantastic option for dry fly wings. The individual fibers of elk hair are hollow allowing them to float high and suspend the abdomen of a dry fly right in the surface meniscus. Elk hair also sheds water quickly making it a great option for flies that get beat up, dunked, and fished all day.

For this pattern, we utilized a new material from our friends at Fulling Mill. They recently came out with a pure CDC Dub which is very unique. No one has done anything like this before, so we knew we had to try it and get some in the shop. For this fly, specifically, CDC Dub in cinnamon was a fantastic choice for the abdomen. It can be dubbed tight and aid in buoyancy. While designing this pattern, a realistic silhouette was a trait in mind. Omitting the hackle on the whole body meant that the rear abdomen would touch the surface and be more visible than your standard elk hair caddis. Cinnamon was a no brainer as it is the predominant shade of summer caddis across the country.

On larger flies like this, the new CDC Dub is best used dubbed highly creating bodies. On smaller offerings it can be picked out to provide a buggy but buoyant look. Caddis make a phenomenal prospecting dry fly pattern this time of year, tie some up and have fun out there!

-Simon

Recipe

Hook- Ahrex Dry Fly Traditional Barbless FW501: Size 12**, 14, 16

Thread- Fulling Mill Black Pro Flat Thread: 70 Denier (NEW)

Abdomen- Fulling Mill CDC Dub: Cinnamon (NEW) & Hareline Life Flex: Orange

Legs- Hareline Life Flex: Orange

Wing: Nature’s Spirit Select Cow Elk

Hackle: Whiting Bronze Saddle: Light Ginger

Resin- Solarez Bone Dry

UV Torch- Loon Plasma Light

Bobbin- Stonfo Steeltech Bobbin

Vise- Renzetti Master Master & Deluxe Streamer Base