How to tie an Elk Hair Caddis

This Elk Hair Caddis Pattern is the best caddis dry fly I know. It floats, you can see it, you can skitter it, it is durable and the trout eat it as soon as they see it. Caddis flies hatch throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall and are one of the most important food sources for growing trout.  This particular dry fly pattern is perhaps the only caddis dry fly you need.

~ Click here to learn a little more about Caddis Flies ~

 

Hand Printed Long Sleeve 

Fishing Shirts For Sale, $25

Watch how to tie this Dry Fly:

~ Click on any image to enlarge ~

Materials List:

Caddis Dries like this one should be tied on a strong hook that can take many bites.  I prefer a Tiemco 3761 size #12, #14 or #16

Click here to buy Dry Fly Hooks

Using strong thread is a must when you tie flies with spun hair.  I have used all different colors of thread and the fish still bite this fly.

Click here to buy strong Fly Tying Thread

What would an Elk Hair Caddis be without Elk Hair?!

Click here to buy a patch of Elk Hair

Finally, i like to use brown saddle hackle for this dry fly. However, I have used a combo of grizzly and brown hackles with great success.
Click here to buy Brown Saddle Hackles

~ Click on any image to enlarge ~

Step By Step: How to tie an Elk Hair Caddis

Start a strong hook with strong thread

Now stack a good clump of Elk Hair








Tie in the clump of elk hair for the wing. wrap the thread through the hair all the way forward








Finally, tie in two stout brown saddle hackles and tie off the fly.

Elk Hair Caddis Fly

The dry fly fishing on the Roaring Fork River near Aspen, Colorado, is the best dry fly fishing in the state.  Float trips on the Roaring Fork range from Upper Woody Creek down to Glenwood Springs.  If pitching little caddis dries up to the bank and catching all kinds of fish is your game, you need to fish here. Go to http://www.aspenflyfishing.com for booking and information.

"How to tie the best

Elk Hair Caddis"

by Capt Matt Thomas