How to Tie the CDC Bubble Caddis – Realistic & Hackle-Free Dry Fly

Fly Tying
Written By Trent Jones

With: McFly Angler

Today we’re tying the CDC Bubble Caddis, a simple yet realistic dry fly that sits perfectly in the surface film and fools picky trout all day long. This little caddis imitator has all the right moves — a soft CDC underwing that traps air like the real thing, a buoyant elk hair top for visibility, and just enough scruffy dubbing to scream “buggy.”

It’s a great choice when trout are keying in on egg-laying adults or spent caddis. And the best part? No pricey hackle required — just natural materials and smart design. If you’re tired of flies that sink after a few drifts, this one’s your new best friend on the river.

🧵 Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide

  1. Secure the Hook:
    Place a Risen Barbless Dry Fly 100 (size 14) hook firmly in your vise. Make sure it’s level and stable.

  2. Start the Thread:
    Use Veevus 10/0 thread in brown. Start one or two eye lengths behind the hook eye, trim the tag, and wrap down to the hook point.

  3. Add the Egg Sack:
    Dub a small ball of bright green superfine dubbing (like Skeeter Fuzz) near the bend. Keep it small and compact — just enough to mimic an egg-laying caddis.

  4. Prepare the CDC Wing Base:
    Select two gray CDC feathers and align their tips with curves facing the same direction. Stroke fibers back halfway down to expose the stem. Tie the feathers in so the curve angles upward, securing just the tips on top of the shank.

  5. Form the Body:
    Dub a slender, tapered noodle using orange-brown dubbing (Vuna or similar). Wrap forward to form a slightly tapered body ending about 2/3 of the way up the hook.

  6. Create the CDC Bubble:
    Pull the CDC feathers forward, forming a small loop that extends just past the egg sack. Secure the stems with tight thread wraps and trim the excess. Adjust so the loop sits centered over the body.

  7. Add the Elk Hair Wing:
    Clip a small bunch of natural elk hair. Clean out the underfur and align tips with a stacker. Measure so the tips extend slightly beyond the CDC loop. Trim the butt ends square, place the bundle on top, and secure with firm thread wraps. Flatten slightly with your thumb for even coverage.

  8. Add Mallard Flank Horns:
    Pluck two medium dun mallard flank fibers. Tie them in so the curves face upward and they extend about the length of the fly body. Trim the butts neatly.

  9. Build the Head:
    Apply a touch more orange-brown dubbing and form a small, buggy head. Use light wraps to pull the elk hair back slightly and lay it down.

  10. Finish the Fly:
    Make a few wraps under the mallard horns, whip finish beneath them, and trim your thread.

  11. Final Touch:
    Add a dab of Solarez Ultra-Thin UV resin to the thread wraps and cure with a UV light. Brush or tease out the dubbing to form subtle “legs” underneath.

Now you’ve got a caddis that rides high, looks alive, and keeps your wallet happy.

🪶 Fly Recipe — CDC Bubble Caddis

Hook: Risen Barbless Dry Fly 100, Size 14 (standard dry fly hook)
Thread: Veevus 10/0, Brown
Egg Sack: Bright Green Superfine Dubbing (e.g. Skeeter Fuzz)
Underwing: CDC Feathers, Gray (2 feathers aligned)
Body: Orange-Brown Dubbing (e.g. Vuna or beaver/rabbit blend)
Overwing: Natural Elk Hair (or Deer Hair, bleached optional for visibility)
Horns: Mallard Flank Fibers, Medium Dun
Head: Orange-Brown Dubbing
Finish: Solarez Ultra-Thin UV Resin

Trent Jones
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