This is how I tie the CDC and elk hair caddis. It is a high floating, easy to tie version of Al Troth's
Elk Hair caddis.
Materials needed:
Hook: Standard length shank dry fly hook. Size #10-18. I'm using a size #16 Allen 103BL.
Thread: Tan 8/0 UNI-thread.
Body: Naturally colored CDC.
Wing: Elk or deer body hair.
Start by placing your hook in your vise.
Start your thread, and wrap back to the end of the hook shank, and tie in your CDC by the tip.
Wrap your CDC forward, each wrap directly in front of the previous wrap.
With your thumb and forefinger, remove any extra long CDC fibers. You want them to extend just beyond the hook bend as shown.
Cut, clean, and stack some Elk or deer body hair. A small clump goes a long way. You should be able to see the CDC body through the hair wing when the fly is finished.
I am using deer hair because my local caddisflies have darker wings than elk hair.
I like to measure the wing to about the back of the hook shank, but it can be tied longer if desired.
Transfer your grip on the hair to your other hand once you've measured the wing to your desired length. Trim the butt ends, and then tie it down. Wrap your thread through the butt ends of the hair to hold it securely in place.
Whip finish around just the hook shank just behind the eye of the hook.
