Dry FliesBighorn CDC X Caddis

The Bighorn CDC X Caddis is an effective caddis imitation that floats well and is highly visible on the water. It's dubbed body imitates the natural silhouette of the caddis pupa, while the CDC wing gives it a lifelike movement.

Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Bighorn CDC X Caddis - Image source: Galloup's Slide Inn
Image source: Galloup's Slide Inn

Overview

This variation of the classic X Caddis uses CDC for the wing, offering improved buoyancy and a natural shimmer. Tied with a trailing shuck, dubbed body, and no hackle, it sits low in the film, imitating an emerging caddis perfectly—especially effective on pressured fish in clear water.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Fall
Imitates: Caddis pupa
Variant of: X Caddis

Materials

Hook: Tiemco 100, size #12–#16
Thread: 6/0 or 140 Denier, black
Trailing Shuck: Amber Zelon
Body: Superfine dubbing, gray-olive
Wing/head: Medium dun CDC feathers

Fishing Tips

Season

It's particularly effective during caddis hatches in the spring, summer, and fall.

Presentation

Present on the surface of the water with a dead drift or occasional twitch to mimic a struggling caddis pupa.

When to Use

Use this fly during a caddis hatch or when trout are feeding on the surface.

Water Type

It's best suited to moving water such as rivers and streams.

Rigging Suggestions

Use it as a single dry fly or in a dry-dropper setup.

Visibility & Floatation

The CDC wing aids in floatation and visibility, and the fly should be treated with a floatant to keep it riding high on the water.

Additional Videos