CDC Loop Wing Mayfly Emerger | Fast Water Version
In my last Entry I covered my basic CDC Loop Wing Mayfly Emerger pattern followed by a very brief description. I wanted now to continue to share how I create a fast water version of this fly that I typically use in pocket water, faster riffles, and below plunge pools. This version of the pattern is a gestural and impressionistic fly with great buoyancy.
In the below photo we see two CDC feathers neatly stacked bottom side facing up. A small bundle of Tiemco Dry Wing fibers are then tied in directly in front of the tie in point of CDC. We will use these fibers to pull over a split clump of coastal deer hair. This is done much like winging a spinner pattern using deer hair. These hair fibers are emulating the legs of the emerger breaking free of its nymphal shuck. They also act as extra buoyancy and stability in faster water.
Once the Aero Wing Dry Fly fibers are tied in, we then take a small clump of coastal deer hair, you do not need very much, and tie it in straddling your Aero fibers. Make sure you have approximately equal amounts of fibers on each side of the fly. Now pull the Aero wing fibers forward to splay legs as seen below in the two photos.
Once you are happy with the leg splay and proportion use a hares ear mask blend or SLF Spikey Squirrel to now dub around the tie in points of the legs. Wrap the dubbing in criss-cross wraps so as not to disturb the splay on the legs. Once your thorax is dubbed pull your CDC forward to make your loop. As discussed in previous entry make sure both CDC stems are neatly stacked or else you end up with a wobbly loop. This method is a great way to increase your floats with this pattern! This is especially effective for my larger #14's and #16's as seen with this #14 Hanak 300 BL.
Below you can see a quick clip of this fly in profile
CDC Swift Water Emerger
Hook: Hanak 300 BL #14 and #16
Thread: UTC Ultra 70 Gray
Body: Stripped peacock quill natural
Tail: Barred Teal
Loop Wing: CDC premium feathers dun x2
Thorax: SLF Spikey Squirrel, Aero Wing Dry
Legs: Coastal deer hair tips
Thanks for letting me share!
