Tying the CdC and Elk
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In this video, I tie the famous CdC and Elk, a pattern (developed by Hans Weilenmann back in the 1980s as a result of his time spent fishing in Montana) wielding CdC as an alternative to the equally famous rooster-hackled cadis imitation, the Elk-Haired Caddis.
This is a pattern that I’ve been fishing and tying for almost twenty years, and from someone who loves simplicity, there’s not a lot out there which is simpler or more effective.
Consisting of just two ingredients (excluding the thread), this pattern can be tied quickly and easily, perfect for those of us who have a last-minute trip planned or those who like to keep their fly boxes nice and simple.
As a bonus, I also tie one of Hans’ cripple variations, the Crippled CdC & Elk.
With these two patterns, it’s possible to imitate not just the obvious adult stage of the caddis, but the CdC & Elk also lends itself to imitating upwings too. As for the Crippled CdC & Elk, this is an amazing pattern in its own right for imitating a range of emerging invertebrates, not just caddis, and the inclusion of CdC gives it an amazing realism of life.
For those looking for a simple pattern with minimal materials and a super effective pattern, this one is absolutely for you.
Materials - CdC & Elk
- Hook: @FullingMillTV Ultimate Dry (size 16) or Czech Nymph (size 18)
- Thread: Nano Silk, white, size 18/0
- Body: 1x CdC Feather (approx. 3-4 cms long)
- Wing: Deer Hair
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:59 - Background
02:46 - Materials
04:43 - Tying the CdC & Elk
09:52 - Tying the Crippled CdC & Elk
13:09 - In Summary
For more information regarding Hans Weilenmann’s flies, the links below are well worth a visit.
- globalflyfisher.com/patterns/...
- www.flytierspage.com/hweilenm...
- www.flytierspage.com/hweilenm...
#GarethLewisFlyFishing #GLFlyFishing #Fishing #FlyFishing #FlyTying #CDCANDELK #Caddis
Пікірлер: 20
Love the film Gareth. As always, so informative and close up shots showing great thread control. Thank you for sharing again 👌
@GarethLewisFlyFishing
16 күн бұрын
Thanks for the kind words Stu! Glad you enjoyed. That one was a fun one to film.
My most productive pattern since you showed me one a few seasons back. Excellent fly, cheers mate.
@GarethLewisFlyFishing
16 күн бұрын
Thanks Mike!
Great video Gareth. I've been fishing the CDC & Elk for the last 35 years plus with great success, it's one of my top dry patterns. Hans Weilenmann tied me one of his CDC & Elk patterns all those years ago in Wiltshire, a few yards from the banks of the River Avon in the Woodford Valley - I still have that very fly for reference. I have also had great success in using an Olive version of the CDC & Elk - like yourself, not sure colour makes a difference bit it is nice to have another option ... works well fished 'duo' too.
@GarethLewisFlyFishing
16 күн бұрын
Wow! Thats an amazing story! I always tell people to get my flies in the water, but I’d have absolutely kept Hans’ too for sure! Thanks for the kinds words too Drew!
Class tying as always 🏴👍
@GarethLewisFlyFishing
16 күн бұрын
Thanks Dylan! 🙌🏻
Simple but very effective looking patterns Gareth…I’m finding I’m tying and using much simpler, slimmer patterns these days, both dries and nymphs mainly GISS style…less choice in the fly box seems to provide a lot more confidence on the water …thanks a lot for sharing your thinking and skills …much appreciated …love your new channel format…very enjoyable
@GarethLewisFlyFishing
17 күн бұрын
Yes, we're definitely in the same camp! Simple generally means more time on the water, and I totally agree with your commment regarding less choice/more confidence. Thanks so much for the kind words!
New subscriber - very impressive channel!
@GarethLewisFlyFishing
16 күн бұрын
Thank you!
Nice pattern thank you
@GarethLewisFlyFishing
8 күн бұрын
The crippled version is absolutely brilliant 🙂
Another really great video Gareth. Definitely be adding some of both those patterns to my box. Couldn’t, help noticing what I took to be “Phil White style” mayfly (emerger) in the intro. Are you looking to post any videos for that and/ or similar patterns in future? Looking forward to the next one whatever it is. Cheers Phil
@GarethLewisFlyFishing
15 күн бұрын
@@PhilWilkins-lm2jv Great spot Phil! It is indeed a variation of Mr White’s awesome Active Mayfly Dun. Phil’s awesome pattern has been adopted as the go-to Danica imitation by a group of anglers in the River Monnow catchment. That variation is slightly ‘show’ orientated, with a little extra robustness thrown in, but both patterns are actually on my list for a future video 🙂 Thanks also for the kind words and glad you enjoyed 🙌🏻
Great looking fly M8!! I was wondering if a XXX-fine rib ( either wire or tying thread would make the body last longer? Or has that not been a problem after a few fish?
@GarethLewisFlyFishing
16 күн бұрын
Great idea, and it’d definitely add more durability. As they’re so quick and easy to tie, I usually just pop any trout-wrecked flies back in my box and take a lighter to them back at the vice and then re-tie. Love the idea!
I know CDC means butt of the duck but why do i find similar feathers on their wings? Are they also usable?
@GarethLewisFlyFishing
17 күн бұрын
That's a great question. The CdC feathers in question are based around preening gland which the ducks use to preen and waterproof themselves, so they're by their very nature buoyant and waterproof straight from the bag. That said, that's only when undyed as the dyeing process strips the natural oils away. Give the other feathers you mention a go, and I'd love to hear the difference (if any) in buoyancy, etc.