Beginner Fly Tying: X Caddis

A simple and effective dry fly.

Chances are that you have heard of the Elk Hair Caddis, because it's one of the most popular and effective dry flies on the planet.  The X Caddis is a very close relative of the Elk Hair Caddis, and it is probably just as effective.  Craig Matthews delevloped the pattern to represent an emerging caddis, but it can work as everything from an attractor to a mayfly.  Just change the colors and sizes to match your local insects.

Check out the alternate recipes under the video.




Recipes:


Tan

Hook: Daiichi 1180 #14 to 16 (+)
Thread: Danville 70 - Black (+)
Shuck: Sparkle emerger yarn - Tan (+)
Body: Nature's Spirit fine natural dubbing - Callibaetis (+)
Wing: Nature's Spirit select cow elk hair - Natural (+)

Black

Hook: Daiichi 1180 #14 to 16 (+)
Thread: Danville 70 - Black (+)
Shuck: Sparkle emerger yarn - Black (+)
Body: Nature's Spirit fine natural dubbing - Black (+)
Wing: Nature's Spirit select cow elk hair - Natural (+)

Olive

Hook: Daiichi 1180 #14 to 16 (+)
Thread: Danville 70 - Black (+)
Shuck: Sparkle emerger yarn - Gray (+)
Body: Nature's Spirit fine natural dubbing - Baetis (+)
Wing: Nature's Spirit select cow elk hair - Natural (+)