Elk Hair Caddis by Charlie Craven

The Elk Hair Caddis brings us into the world of dry flies. Dries are more proportion dependent than nymphs as the proportions affect the way the fly sits on the water. The body taper and diameter, the hackle size and density and the length and density of the wing are all things to keep in mind. Make the body no thicker than one-third the gap width, and tapered from back to front. Hackle that is too large or dense makes the fly appear bigger than it really is. Hackle serves two functions on this fly; flotation and the appearance of legs. Caddis have only six legs so it doesn't take many turns to fulfill this requirement. More importantly, hackle serves as outriggers to support the fly on the surface of the water. Six to eight evenly spaced (palmered) turns of hackle create more than enough surface area while still letting the body shape and color show through. I size the hackle (over the dubbed body) so it is equal to one to one and a half gap widths. If it is too large the fly looks bigger, too short and the fly may float on its side. Flies intended for calm, flat water over selective fish suffice with less hair than the same size fly meant for heavy pocket water. For heavier water, I use as much hair as I can securely attach to the hook (be sure to thoroughly clean all the under fur and short hairs out of the clump before stacking it). As a rule of thumb, the right amount of hair when compressed will be equal to the diameter of the body. There is some room for interpretation in regard to the length of the wing. Anywhere between one and one and a quarter shank lengths seem about right to me. If I make the wing any longer the fly appears too big. I fish the Elk Hair Caddis a few different ways. Dead drifting under bank side vegetation can have great results, and I have found that skittering the fly a bit brings out the predators. It seems as though trout can't resist a bug that is trying to get away and this skittering really rings the dinner bell. One reason caddis are such a staple menu item during the summer months is that trout see so many of them. Caddis fly off to the bushes along the stream bank after hatching and live there for some time. At this point, they become, essentially, a terrestrial insect. Breezes blow these bugs into the water and the trout are on the look out for them. There doesnt have to be an actual hatch in progress to clean up with a caddis. This pattern also has a wide "foot print" on the water. It creates a larger dimple in the surface film that seems to make it more apparent to the fish, so even when they're not looking, the caddis really stands out. For flat water, I often omit the hackle and wire rib on this fly so it will ride lower on the water and create a more realistic silhouette. The Elk Hair Caddis was invented by the legendary Montana guide and fly tier, Al Troth.

Materials:
Hook: #10-22 TMC 100 SPBL
Thread: Brown Veevus 14/0
Rib: Extra Fine Copper Wire
Body: Superfine Dubbing, Color of Choice
Hackle: Brown Rooster Neck
Wing: Elk Hair, Cow or Bull

[Unpescador]

WOW! I have been fly fishing and tying my own flies for well over 50 years. I have guided trips on the San Juan, Pecos, Green, Dolores, South Platt and more rivers than I can count. Not to name drop (but I must😁). I have had the opportunity to take lessons in that time from Jack Dennis, Dave Whitlock, Gary Borger and Lee Wulff among others. We all develop our own way of doing things, but sometimes have a hard time communicating WHY we do it one way and not another. In this respect Charlie, in my books, rates right up there with the best of the best. I have watched most of his videos, and with few exceptions I can say I have tied all the flies he has presented, and with no exception can I say I didn't learn something from the way he ties them from the way I did (past tense). Whether easier or just, down right better, these YouTube tutorials are BRILLIANT! If only I could get used to the left handed perspective.😜

[TheBoolio]

This is the best fly tying channel on YouTube. You clearly explain on video. I love your comments in the description and the written list of materials put you a far cut above everyone else. Please keep it coming. I’m new to this and you are really helping me out.

[BusterHWJones]

I haven't fished in years let alone fly fishing. So I'm just watching some wonderful YT channels. Whenever I come across Charlie's channel I just automatically hit like and save! Such a master of attention to the very small details along with crystal clear instruction makes this one of the best that I've seen and whets my appetite to jump into the fly fishing world.

[KooldadiJ]

Excellent. Probably THE BEST fly tying video I have seen.

[jacksonkilldozer]

Best caddis tie on YouTube. Nice job, thanks for the tutorial!

[kurzhaarguy]

You’re an exceptional teacher, Charlie. Nice job.

[timtollett]

An interesting catch to Al Troth's deadly Elk Hair Caddis is that he originally tied it to represent a caddis emerger, but found the floating version was extremely effective. Al used fine (0.7") gold wire, but as Mr. Craven illustrates, other wire colors work as well. I worked for Al for many years and can honestly say that his Elk Hair Caddis is one of the very best dry flies for catching trout, and what most anglers don't know it's also one kick-ass wet fly - just add a size 8 or 10 (small) split shot 10-12" up from the hook eye and fish it as an emerger or swing it. Excellent instructions!!!
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[ricrubeo]

One of the best instructional videos I have seen.

[jayfrench]

That is one sexy elk hair caddis. Love it. Been fishing for years, but just learing to tie. Need all the help I can get. Thanks for the clarity in the pictures and actually taking the time to show how it is likely done then showing the corrections!!!

[geraldg]

Very neatly done! Everything like it should be! Well presented! Thank you!

[nicolelewis]

Wow! I learned some great techniques watching your video! Thanks Charlie! Take care!

[johnshand]

Excellent presentation and a perfect fly for the evening rise on the Tongariro River, down under in New Zealand. Will tie a few up, Thanks.

[ems]

For your basic fly tying book, and I love it i been working on order as you adviced, and just finished tying 30 different sizes Gold robbed hare's ear nymphs, enjoyed preparing my own dubbing, thanks a lot sir, I'm confident my skills will improve thanks to your book!

[DrJohn]

Enjoyed tying this pattern and giving a few to friends.

[druaRNF]

A classic work of art, beautifully presented and works well on the small streams of the west of Ireland

[TheXeniaman]

Great video, Charlie.  Keep them coming.

[jamesbrede]

May be standard issue. But you make it look like no other EHC ! You are a phenomenal tire !

[harryjoesather]

enjoy your tying . i started tying in April of 2020 and oh my how fast you can get lots of materials. still learning.

[gt_outdoorexcursions]

Very clean and good looking fly. Making an old classic look great!

[davidclements]

I really like how the eye of the hook is slightly above the wing. Many corporate made flies have the wing over the eye...making it a bear to tie on.