A different (?) CDC Caddis

[Byron haugh]

When I look at an actual adult caddis, I really don't see the deer hair/elk hair imitations as being good representations. I know they perform well, but was trying to get a more realistic folded wing imitation.
For example, here is a photo of an adult caddis next to a common imitation from McKenzie's:



First effort:

[Hans Weilenmann]

Byron,

What you tied is in essence a heavier version of the F-Fly. A wonderful and effective pattern, but after one or two fish will be too slimed up, CDC structure collapsed, and fly retired to be fully dried.

I prefer the deer hair and CDC combination of the CDC&Elk for reasons of complementary strengths - deer hair for floatability, CDC for movement - and for the ability to take fish after fish after fish.

Cheers,
Hans W

[Byron haugh]

Thanks for the input Hans. I do like the wings closer to the body as the Caddis does at rest.
By the way, there are times I would not mind changing flies after catching two........!!

[DG]

That is an approximation of my CDC caddis, except I tie the CDC all on top as a wing, and use, if possible, whole feathers rather than trimmed fuzz. And yes, it slimes after a certain number of fish. That being said, it can be tied in a minute or so, and I can easily swap out for a new one while mine dries out. I also prefer to tie the wing a little heavy, so that it retains its shape and can be shaken out with a few false casts. Also easier to see on rough water.

[Byron haugh]

Thanks DG. The "wing" on mine are two CDC feathers tied on opposing sides of the shank and trimmed to try to imitate the folded wings of the Caddis.
Post a pic of yours? Thanks

[Hans Weilenmann]

By the way, there are times I would not mind changing flies after catching two........!!

I would not mind either, Byron, but if a dozens-of-fish pattern gets me same or better results it becomes a no-brainer for me

Cheers,
Hans W

[Byron haugh]

I'm trying to test the "if" hypothesis.........

As, perhaps when you substituted a proven body material on the EHC with a material which is more prone to matting..........

Chuckle

[AlanB]

A very light treating with Marc Petitjean's CdC Oil will prolong the fishing time of the fly. I've seen him take 4 or 5 fish on one all CdC pattern using it (not your pattern but the sliming effect will affect any CdC pattern). All he did was treat it before the first cast, then dry it with amadou between each fish.

Cheers.
A.