CDC Bubble Wing Caddis

(Click any of the following images for enlargement)

The CDC Bubble Wing Caddis is a pattern I've constantly been tinkering with for the last five years. Testing it using different hair dubbing, variegated hair, and combining hackles that mingle with dubbing loops. I have found over the years that the quill body contrasts nicely with this very impressionistic profile and geometry. Using a combination of techniques with squirrel, fox, beaver, and hackle, I have developed an adult Caddis pattern that pays big dividends in moderate- to fast-water applications. There are many versions of this fly, but as requested by a handful of my readers, here are profile shots of this tiny morsel on a #18 TMC 531. This fly also keels phenomenally tied on the Tiemco 206BL. It's a very “stable” fly in that it sits perfectly in the surface film, especially when tied in tandem with a fused hackle collar, as seen in the photos.

Above photo: Drawing the thread to the rear after initially hackling, I run my hair dubbing loop back through the hackle collar forward, which nicely breaks up the hackle symmetry and adds to the profile and leg movement around the thorax.

Above photo: Typically, you see this pattern with a dubbed abdomen, but I chose to use a quill instead, which contrasts nicely with the wing. Your CDC loop tie-in point is at the rear, near the hook bend; then, carefully, using a dyed peacock quill, tie in and wrap to about three hook-eye distances from the end of the hook.

Above photo: Here you can see the tie-in point of the two CDC feathers, as well as the 

quill preparation. Wrap the quill up the shank to about three hook-eye distances, then whip finish. Prior to completing the fly at this stage, I coat the quill with Sally Hansen Top Coat. 

One coat is all that is really needed.

~CDC Bubble Wing Caddis~

Thread: Semperfli Nano silk gray or black 18/0

Hook: #16 TMC 531 or #16 TMC 206BL

Wing: CDC x2 Dun

Thorax/Legs: Dun hackle x4 turns overwrap with dubbing loop 

of squirrel, hare's ear, beaver, and snowshoe rabbit. 

Abdomen: Peacock quill natural

Antennae: CDL pardo

Once again, the key to tying this pattern successfully is proportions, remember caddis have a thorax that is in the extreme forward position. Look at the naturals; the business end is just below the eyes. Often, this fly is overdressed, and with the bubble wing, moderation is essential. This is one of my workhorses on spring creeks in the Northeast.

Thanks for letting me share!         ~Clint Bova             www.cjbovarods.com