X-Caddis

A trailing shuck and low hair wing imitate a caddis struggling at the surface.

From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 illustrated steps

Work through the numbered steps in order. Use the written materials and proportions as your guide; select an image for a closer look.

Shuck
Attach a sparse synthetic shuck at the bend, roughly one-half to one shank long.
Body
Dub a tapered olive body, leaving room for the hair tie-in behind the eye.
Wing
Clean and stack deer hair. Set tips at the bend and tighten wraps gradually so the wing stays on top.
Finish
Trim the butts to form a small head. Whip finish underneath and cement the thread.

Beyond the bench

Dead-drift in the film during caddis emergence. Leave the trailing shuck sparse so it suggests a shed skin. Compare Elk Hair Caddis and X-Caddis for a caddis rise.

Tied by independent makers

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Materials and tying methods may vary between versions. Compare the sources below for this dressing.

Pattern dressings vary; use the written recipe for exact materials and proportions.