Tying the Elk Hair Caddis

Elk Hair Caddis

The Elk Hair Caddis was developed in the 1950s by Al Troth, a creative fly tier from Pennsylvania. It's a good searching pattern that resembles both stoneflies and caddisflies. It is primarily fished as a dry fly but also works when submerged just under the surface. It is also an effective pattern for Steelhead in sizes 6-8. 

Materials:
Hook:  94840 Mustad, sizes 10-16
Thread:  6/0 Uni-thread
Hackle:  Brown, palmered 
Abdomen:  Dark olive or brown rabbit dubbing
Wing case:  Section of mottled turkey feather

Step 1. 

Tie in a spun noodle of rabbit fur and attach the hackle.

Step 2. 

Wind the body forward to 1/8 inch from the hook eye and then spin 4-6 turns of hackle forward.

Step 3. 

Select a clump of elk hair and stack it evenly and tightly, leaving the butt ends extended in front of the hook. Secure it with 6-8 tight wraps in the same place. 

Step 4. 

Cut the front portion of the elk hair so that it forms a hood above and slightly beyond the hook eye. Cement the thread on top and underneath the hook to finish.