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Tying the X-Caddis Fly

How to tie the X-Caddis in this step-by-step and how-to video featuring expert tier Charlie Craven.

Tying the X-Caddis Fly

X-Caddis Tying Recipe

  • Hook: TMC 100 #14-22
  • Thread: 8/0 Brown
  • Shuck: Zelon
  • Abdomen: Superfine Dubbing
  • Wing: Natural Deer Hock

Tying The X Caddis

Tying The X Caddis Step 1 of 7

Start the thread two eye lengths behind the eye and wrap back to the bend. Return the thread to the starting point.

Tying The X Caddis Step 2 of 7

Tie in a hank of zelon and wrap back over it to the bend.

Tying The X Caddis Step 3 of 7

Dub a tapered abdomen up to the starting point. Clip the zelon shuck to about a shank length long.

Tying The X Caddis Step 4 of 7

Cut, clean and stack a clump of deer hair. Measure the hair against the hook so it is equal to one shank length.

Tying The X Caddis Step 5 of 7

Cut the hair to one shank length long and place the butt ends just behind the hook eye.

Tying The X Caddis Step 6 of 7

Make two turns over the hair and pull toward you to tighten these wraps and flare the hair.

Tying The X Caddis Step 7 of 7

Work the thread forward through the butt ends of the hair to the eye and whip finish. Clip the thread.

Finished X Caddis

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