The pattern notebook · dry

CDC&Elk

Name: Fly Tyer's Bench
Author: Fly Tyer's Bench

How do you tie a CDC&Elk?

CDC&Elk is a dry fly pattern for trout. Find its 4 materials and 21 tying steps below.

Added to catalog May 12, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026

At the vise

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Secure the hook in the vise and start the thread behind the eye.
Wrap the thread down the shank to the bend and trim the waste.
Select a CDC feather with a rounded tip.
Hold the butt of the CDC feather in your left hand and stroke the barbs up until there is a small tuft.
Tie down the tuft with one turn.
The third turn cuts underneath over the shank but underneath the tips lifting them up to create a little bump.
The fourth turn goes over and locks it into place.
Run the thread back to the eye.
Clip on the hackle pliers and start wrapping the body.
Initially, it will resemble a dub body until you come to about halfway up the shank.
Stroke the loose barbs back with each successive turn.
Continue wrapping the CDC feather forward, stroking the barbs back, until you reach just a bare stem.
Take turns holding back the barbs and make a hard locking turn, then trim the butt.
Clip off a small bunch of fine-tipped deer hair for the wing.
Stroke out the underfur and put the deer hair into a hair stacker to even the tips.
The wing on this fly does not extend past the bend of the hook, so measure the wing length.
Transfer the deer hair to the other hand and make a straight cut a little bit in front of the nail.
Line up the wing with the front of the eye.
Make one and a half to two hard turns.
The third turn cuts through it at about 45 degrees, and the fourth turn cuts under the butts.
Finally, do a three-turn whip finish and clip the thread.