Dry FliesPeacock Elk Hair Caddis

The Peacock Elk Hair Caddis is a variant of the classic Elk Hair Caddis, using a peacock herl body for added flash and attractiveness. It's a versatile pattern that imitates a wide variety of caddis species.

Season
Spring, Summer
Difficulty
Intermediate
Target Species
Trout
Peacock Elk Hair Caddis - Image source: Blue Ribbon Flies
Image source: Blue Ribbon Flies

Overview

The Peacock Elk Hair Caddis is a classic dry fly with endless variation potential. While the original features a peacock herl body, tan elk hair wing, and brown hackle, anglers frequently adjust hackle color, body dubbing, or even use UV resin over the peacock for added durability and flash, tailoring the fly to match local caddis species and water conditions.

Pattern Characteristics

Intermediate Difficulty
Trout
Moving Water
Spring
Summer
Imitates: Caddis
Variant of: Elk Hair Caddis

Materials

Hook: Tiemco 101, size #12-#18
Thread: Black 8/0 Uni-Thread
Body: Peacock herl
Wing: Elk hair
Hackle: Brown rooster hackle

Fishing Tips

Season

This fly is most effective in Spring and Summer.

Presentation

Cast upstream and let the fly drift naturally with the current.

When to Use

During a caddis hatch or as a general attractor pattern.

Water Type

Best in moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Use a standard dry fly setup with a 9-foot leader ending in 5X or 6X tippet.

Visibility & Floatation

The elk hair wing makes this fly highly visible and it floats well due to the hackle and elk hair.

Additional Videos