Description

This is the grand-daddy of them all. The standard Elk Hair Caddis is often the first choice of western fly fishermen when they're trying to pick a fish off with a surface fly. It's a high floater with a very visible profile from above and below the surface. The materials and construction of the bug are critical to its performance. Dead drift it. Skate the fly in an arc. Cast it upstream, down, or across the current and it'll probably produce a rise.

FLY RECIPE:

HOOK:  TFS 100, sizes 16-18
THREAD:  Ultra 70 Tying Thread, match to color
BODY:  Super-Fine Dry Fly Dubbing, color of choice
RIB:  Ultra 70 Tying Thread, match to color - a separate piece
HACKLE:  Saddle Hackle, girzzly, brown or cree
WING:  Elk Body Hair, bleached