Caddis Dry Fly

The following is a step-by-step photgraphic sequence of the tying of the Elk Hair Caddis


Materials for Original Pattern
  • Hook: 2X Dry Fly, Size 12-18
  • Thread: Olive
  • Body: Olive, Tan or Burnt Orange Dubbing
  • Rib: Fine Gold
  • Hackle: Light brown palmered over body
  • Wing: Elk Hair
    • Step #1

    The Hook securely in vise
    Step #2

    Lay down the thread base.
    Step #3

    Tie in Ribbing material

    I tied in the oval from the eye to the back, and tied in the brown hackle from the rear 1/3 to the back.
    Step #4

    Dub the thread with Burnt Orange dubbing and wind forward to behing the hook eye.
    Step #5

    Wind forward the brown hackle and tie down.

    Wind forward the oval gold rib - countered to lock down the hackle.
    Step #7

    Tie in the Elk Hair Wing and allow to flaire up in front of the thread.

    Whip finish behind the flare, and coat with head cement.
    Top View
    Bottom View

    Final Thoughts: I probably could have used more hair in the wing. Be sure to spread the hair well before casting and always apply a good quantity of floatant. If you witnessed adult caddis on the water, the wings are NOT folded like a tent over the body, they are spread out and fluttering, creating quite a disturbance on the water surface!

    Also, the caddis in my neck of the woods have quite a thick thorax area, with a slender aft body segement. For flies I fish with, I double back over the front 1/3 of the fly to build up this region (not shown here).

    Tight Lines Everyone.

    Dave