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The pattern notebook · dry

Elk Hair Caddis

How do you tie a Elk Hair Caddis?

Elk Hair Caddis is a dry fly pattern for trout. Find its 6 materials and 9 tying steps below.

Difficulty
2 of 5
Target species
trout

Added to catalog · Updated

At the vise

Materials

  • Dry Fly Hook, TMC 100, sizes 12-18
  • Elk Hair
  • Dry Fly Dubbing, Hare's Ear Tan
  • Thread (8/0), Tan
  • Brown Dry Fly Hackle
  • Fine Gold Wire (rib, optional variant)

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Tying instructions

  1. Secure hook in vise and attach thread

  2. Tie in hackle at the bend

  3. Dub a tapered body forward

  4. Palmer hackle forward through body

  5. Tie off hackle and trim excess

  6. Stack elk hair for even tips

  7. Tie elk hair wing on top, tips extending past bend

  8. Trim butts at angle to form head

  9. Whip finish behind hair butts

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