How to Tie the Foam Back Elk Hair Caddis Pattern for Fast Running Water

Fly Tying

Apr 10

The Foam Back Elk Hair Caddis is perfect for those looking for a fly that won't sink in fast-running water and mimics the profile of many aquatic insects. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to tying it!

Materials List:

Lateral scale or flash (of your choice)
Thread
UV resin
UV light
2mm foam (tan)
Poly yarn
Elair
Saddle Hackle (brown)

How to Tie the Foam Back elk hair caddis Pattern:

1. Secure Flash to Hook Shank

Start by snipping a small section of lateral scale or any flash of your choice. Secure it tightly to the hook shank and wrap it into the bend of the hook. This will create a smooth base for your next steps.

2. Build Thread Base

Reverse your thread's direction back up towards the head of the fly, and lay down an even thread base. This will make your following steps easier.

3. Wrap Flash Around Hook

Take your flash and begin wrapping it forward in close, touching spirals. Slightly overlap each wrap to avoid bulk, and secure it tightly once you reach your thread. Add wraps both in front and behind the flash to keep it in place, then snip any excess.

4. Apply UV Resin

Apply a coat of UV resin over the flash for added durability and shine. Cure it with UV light, then wrap slightly over it for extra security.

5. Attach Foam

Snip a small piece of 2mm foam in tan, trim the tips to form a triangle, and measure it to extend slightly beyond the bend of your hook. Secure the foam in place with tight wraps. Snip the excess foam and cover up the tag ends with thread, wrapping back slightly into the foam.

6. Add Poly Yarn

Take a small piece of poly yarn and secure it in front of the foam. Pull the tag ends so they don’t stick out past the hook eye. Trim it to length, leaving it just slightly longer than the foam.

7. Stack Elair and Secure

Snip a small clump of Elair, brush it out to remove any underhair, and stack it. Measure it to be slightly longer than the foam, then secure it to the top of the fly. Wrap tightly, ensuring the fibers don’t spin around the hook shank.

8. Attach Saddle Hackle

Finally, take a piece of brown saddle hackle and secure it behind the Elk hair. Wrap the hackle around the head of the fly in close, touching spirals until you reach your thread. Secure it tightly, whip finish, and snip your thread free.

Fly Tying