Euro NymphsCDC Frenchie
The CDC Frenchie is a modern variation of Lance Egan's popular Frenchie pattern that adds a CDC collar for enhanced movement and attraction. Designed by Cheech from Fly Fish Food, this euro nymph combines the proven effectiveness of pheasant tail and hot-spot collar with the lifelike action of CDC feathers. The pattern excels in competition fishing and technical presentations where subtle movement triggers strikes from selective trout.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This pattern was created by Cheech while Lance Egan was competing at the world championships. The addition of a CDC collar to the classic Frenchie design provides subtle movement that enhances the fly's effectiveness without compromising its slim euro-nymph profile. Cheech used the Swiss CDC Multi-Clamp tool for this pattern, which allows for precise control when wrapping CDC feathers. The UV shrimp pink hot-spot head remains a key trigger point that has made the Frenchie series so successful in competitive fishing.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Umpqua U560 BL-BN Jig Hook, size #14
Thread: Danville Flat Waxed Nylon Thread, 70 Denier, red
Bead: Hareline Slotted Tungsten Beads, gold, 1/8" (3.3mm)
Tail: Whiting Coq De Leon Tailing Packs, Medium Pardo
Body: UV2 Ringneck Pheasant Tail, black
Collar: TroutHunter Premium CDC, Caddis Dun
Head: Ice Dub, UV Shrimp Pink
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round as a searching pattern and during mayfly activity. Particularly productive during spring and fall Baetis hatches when trout are keyed on small dark nymphs. The black pheasant tail body matches a wide range of mayfly nymphs throughout the season.
Presentation
Fish on a tight-line euro nymphing rig with minimal weight to maintain contact with the fly. The CDC collar provides subtle movement even in slower currents, so allow the fly to drift naturally along the bottom. Use high-stick techniques to detect takes, as strikes are often subtle with this pattern.
When to Use
Deploy when trout are feeding on mayfly nymphs in clear water conditions. Excellent choice during competition fishing or on pressured waters where fish have seen standard patterns. The CDC collar adds movement that can trigger strikes when traditional Frenchie patterns fail. Works well in overcast conditions or when fish are holding in deeper runs.
Water Type
Designed for moving water including riffles, runs, and pocket water. Most effective in moderate to fast currents where the tungsten bead gets the fly down quickly and the CDC collar can work in the current. Also productive in spring creek environments where the natural CDC movement mimics emerging mayflies.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish as the point fly in a euro nymphing setup on 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet. The tungsten bead provides sufficient weight in most situations, but add a lighter dropper fly 12-18 inches above if needed. Can also be fished under an indicator in deeper runs or as a dropper below a dry fly for dual presentation options.
Visibility & Floatation
The gold tungsten bead provides quick sink rate and subtle flash that attracts attention without spooking fish. The UV shrimp pink head creates a visible hot-spot that triggers strikes. The CDC collar traps micro-bubbles and provides lifelike movement. The slim black pheasant tail body maintains the low profile necessary for technical euro nymphing while the CDC adds just enough bulk to create a realistic silhouette.
