Elk Hair Caddis (Lite)

[NJTroutbum]

This version of the Elk Hair Caddis (EHC) has been with me for over 25yrs. Early on it was suggested to me that the Wire rib/Tinsel on the EHC was not necessary, but to try it and find out for myself. After a few trips it was determined the advice was right, and I began tying the pattern as such. It's an excellent low-water patter, yet still rides high enough to skitter or fish faster waters. Give it a try. You may find as I did that a slight break in tradition can deliver a lifelong pattern.


The EHC (Lite) Recipe
Hook: Standard Dry #8-18
Thread: 8/0 Dark Brown Uni-thread
Abdomen: Ginger Hare-line Rabbit
Hackle: Light Furnace or Brown (One Size Smaller)
Wing: Ginger Elk

Elk Hair Caddis (Lite) Tying Video

 

[outsider]

Nice tie, NJTroutbum. I tie my caddis with coastal deer hair, and I eliminate the palmer hackle. Downside is my caddis don't skitter well.

 

[NJTroutbum]

Coastal deer works very well. I like the mottle natural hair alot for smaller sizes. I tend to leave off the palmer as well under #16.

 

[dano]

Very fine wire ribbing helps protect the hackle stem and i use it on all my patterns 16 and larger.
I use the old technique of wrapping the hackle to the back back of the fly and weaving the wire to the front.

 

[nfrechet]

and 4-5 wraps of fine gold wire wont even register on a scale

 

[NJTroutbum]

Thar's why for every dozen or so tyers you find, you will get at least 6-8 variations of the same pattern. We all have our druthers.