The Clueless Caddis: Beginner Fly Tying

From : AvidMax

"Learn how to tie the Clueless Caddis fly with this easy step-by-step guide. Using simple materials like Timco hooks, Nano Silk thread, and Elk Hair, this guide walks you through every stage of crafting this effective fly. Perfect for both beginner and seasoned fly tyers looking to add a versatile pattern to their collection

Materials:

• Hook: Timco 100, size 10

• Thread: Nano Silk, 50 Denier, Olive

• Dubbing: Super Fine Dubbing from Nature Spirit, Olive

• Wing Material: CDC in White (4 feathers)

• Yarn: Antron Yarn, Fluorescent Yellow and Orange

• Final Wing: Elk Hair

Steps:

1. Attach the Hook

   • Secure a Timco 100 size 10 hook in your vise.

2. Start the Thread

   • Use Nano Silk 50 Denier in Olive. Start the thread at the front of the hook and work it back to just above the hook point. Leave a longer tag of thread to use for ribbing later.

   • Make a few secure wraps since the thread is slick.

3. Dub the Body

   • Use Super Fine Dubbing from Nature Spirit in Olive. Pinch a small amount (a little goes a long way) and twist it onto the thread to create a tight dubbing rope.

   • Wrap the dubbed thread forward to form the body of the fly. If needed, add more dubbing to complete the body.

1. Rib the Body

   • Take the tag end of the thread you left earlier and counter-wrap it forward over the dubbed body to create ribbing.

   • Secure and trim the tag.

2. Add the CDC Wing

   • Take 4 White CDC feathers, align the tips, and tie them in at the back of the body. Ensure the wing is straight on top of the hook.

   • Trim the excess CDC.

3. Create a Dubbing Ball

   • Add a small ball of dubbing just in front of the CDC wing to create a ramp for the next material.

4. Add Antron Yarn

   • Mix Fluorescent Yellow and Orange Antron Yarn fibers together. Trim the fibers flush and tie them in front of the dubbing ball.

   • Secure with a few wraps and fold the Antron back. Add another few wraps to secure.

5. Cover with More Dubbing

   • Add another small ball of dubbing in front of the Antron yarn, creating a bump that covers the tie-in point.

6. Prepare the Elk Hair Wing

   • Take a half-pencil width of Elk Hair and trim it near the hide. Clean out the underfur and loose fibers.

   • Use a hair stacker to align the tips.

7. Tie in the Elk Hair

   • Measure the Elk Hair to the desired length (just past the bend of the hook).

   • Trim the butt ends flush and tie in the Elk Hair just behind the hook eye with one loose wrap, followed by tighter wraps to secure.

8. Finish the Fly

   • Whip finish with a 3-turn whip finish behind the eye.

   • Trim the thread and inspect the fly for any stray fibers. Give the Elk Hair a little trim to round it off if needed.