Elk Hair Caddis

Description

The Elk Hair Caddis was developed by famous fly tier Al Troth in the early 1970’s.  Since then, this caddis imitation has become one of the most popular patterns for imitating a caddis adult.  It meets all the criteria for a good dry fly.  It floats high, is durable and most importantly it is easy to see!  This legendary pattern has a very buggy appearance that is deadly during a caddis hatch.  You should never leave home without several of these in your fly box.

Fishing strategies:

An Elk Hair Caddis fishes best throughout the summer months.  We typically dead-drift this pattern using a 9-foot leader terminating in 5X.  It may be fished as a single dry fly or as an indicator in a dry-dropper rig as this pattern floats like a cork.  This pattern is an excellent choice during the famed Mother’s day Caddis hatch.  Although, we typically dead-drift an Elk Hair Caddis.  Do not be afraid to fish it skittered on the surface or even stripped through the film.

Recipe:

Hook: #14-16 Tiemco 101
Thread: Tan UTC 70 Denier
Rib: Copper Ultra Wire (Extra Small)
Abdomen: Tan Superfine Dubbing
Hackle: Brown Rooster
Wing: Natural Elk Hair, cleaned and stacked