CDC & Elk

Every fly angler needs a reliable and versatile caddis dry-fly pattern. Anyone who fishes for trout has at least a few of either an Elk-Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, or Iris Caddis—or perhaps all three. The Goddard Caddis, known for its remarkable ability to float through almost anything, is another popular imitation. For the past dozen years, however, my first choice has been the CDC & Elk Caddis.
I first became aware of the CDC & Elk after watching a stunning video produced by Dutch fly-tyer Hans Weilenmann, who developed the pattern. I was impressed not only by the video’s quality but also by Weilenmann’s precise tying and the fly’s incredible simplicity. A fly named after its ingredients is always a winner. Other than the hook and thread, it’s simply cul-de-canard (CDC) and elk hair—though I use deer hair when I tie it. The pattern is also incredibly easy to adapt in size and color to match a wide range of caddisfly hatches. The CDC & Elk is neither the best floater nor the most visible of caddis drys, but it excels
in fooling wary trout with its long CDC fibers, which create a lifelike appearance on the water’s surface. While the CDC fibers help the fly float, it’s the movement they suggest—resembling antennae and legs—that makes it so effective. The elk- or deer-hair wing, of course, also contributes to the fly’s success, much like it does in other patterns.
Let’s begin with the CDC. These feathers grow near the oil glands of ducks, making them naturally buoyant. For this fly, you’ll use a single long CDC feather, not the shorter CDC puff. The longer feather forms the abdomen and the spindly fibers that extend from the front of the fly. Long CDC feathers come in a variety of colors. Good-quality feathers are easy to find and reasonably priced.
The deer or elk hair, however, is a different story—it must be the right type. The hair should be hollow at the base, near the hide, but not so hollow that it flares excessively beneath firm thread wraps. It also can’t be too long. I prefer hair around an inch in length. Deer hair labeled “short and fine,” “coastal,” or “comparadun” is a good starting point. Avoid hair with long, dark tips, especially for smaller flies. One thing Tom Rosenbauer and I agree on is this: If you find a patch of deer hair that might be even remotely suitable, buy it. If I were forced to use only one dry caddisfly imitation for the rest of my days, it would without a doubt be the CDC & Elk Caddis.

Detailed instructions for tying a CDC and Elk Caddis. This is part of a series of Tim Flagler’s collaboration with Fly Tyer Magazine. Check out his article about the fly in the Spring 2025 issue of Fly Tyer Magazine.

Recipe:
Hook: Lightning Strike DF1 dry fly hook, size 16.
Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed, 12/0, tan.
Body/legs: CDC feather.
Wing/head: Deer hair.