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X-Caddis Dry Fly Step-by-Step:
An alternative to the Elk Hair Caddis, Craig Matthew’s X-Caddis lacks the hackle of its more famous cousin and provides what is arguably a more realistic imitation of the actual insect. At its best in calmer waters, the X-Caddis often succeeds in instances where the EHC is greeted with splashy refusals.
Tied here in tan on a #14 hook, this pattern can be adapted to imitate any caddis by simply adjusting dubbing color and hook size.
| Materials: | ||
|---|---|---|
 Dry Fly (#14-20) |  12/0 (match color to body) |  Sparkle Yarn (Amber) |
 Dubbing of Choice |  Elk Hair (Natural) |
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X-Caddis Dry Fly Step-by-Step Tying Instructions:
(Mobile Viewers: Click images to enlarge)
Tips and Tricks
- Mind the head – Often times, I’m guilty of crowding the eye when working with deer or elk hair. In the example above, the opposite is true. My tie down point is two far behind the hook eye. While it’s unlikely to negatively affect the fly’s profile or buoyancy, it does fail to utilize the hook in it’s entirety.
- Elk hair selection – Often times patterns call for a specific “Type” of Elk Hair. While I won’t pretend to be an expert on the subject, there are number of articles on the subject online. The one linked here is worth checking out before you venture out to purchase your first patch of elk hair.
Proof of Concept
As with a few of the recent Step-by-Steps shared here, the X-Caddis is new to my fly box and, as of yet, unproven. Give it time though, this pattern should quickly prove its worth when next I visit a trout stream.
Tight Line!
Chris
Species Caught on the X-Caddis Dry Fly to Date:
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