How to Tie the Fax Caddis Fly: Step-by-Step Guide for Effective Fly Fishing

Fly Tying
Written By Trent Jones

With: James Lund

The Fax Caddis is a versatile and fun-to-tie fishing fly that performs excellently on the water, perfect for trout and other freshwater species.

Materials List for Fax Caddis Fly

  • Hanak 280 Barbless Hook (Size 14 or preferred size)

  • Extreme Power Thread, 50 Denier (thin, strong, easy to split)

  • CDC Feathers (Natural/Brown and Fluo Green for hotspots)

  • Hackle Pliers

  • Nylon Tippet Material, 0.40 Diameter (for eyes)

  • Black & Brown Permanent Waterproof Markers

  • Coq de Leon Feathers (Origami folded wings)

  • Super Glue (for durability)

  • Deer Hair (for collar)

  • Wax (for thread)

  • Scissors

  • UV Resin or Varnish (optional for finishing)

Step-by-Step Guide to Tying the Fax Caddis Fly

Step 1: Prepare Your Hook and Thread

  • Use a Hanak 280 barbless hook, size 14 (or any size you prefer).

  • Attach Extreme Power Thread 50 denier to the hook shank, wrapping a few loose turns near the bend to create a strong, split-friendly base.

Step 2: Attach the CDC Feather

  • Select a CDC feather (Fluo Green works great as a hotspot).

  • Use hackle pliers to grip the feather and wrap it evenly around the hook shank.

  • Trim away excess feather stem and stray fibers for a neat finish.

Step 3: Prepare the Thread for Splitting

  • Spin the bobbin anti-clockwise to flatten the thread. This makes splitting easier for later dubbing steps.

Step 4: Create the Body with CDC Feathers

  • Choose natural or brown CDC feathers based on quality and length (better feathers require fewer).

  • Spin the bobbin clockwise to catch the fibers, then brush out the fibers gently.

  • Wrap the CDC around the hook shank, stroking the fibers back after each turn to create a smooth body.

  • Trim fibers to shape the body like a caddis, cutting the underside close to the hook shank.

Step 5: Add the Eyes

  • Use nylon tippet material (0.40 diameter), burn both ends to prevent fraying.

  • Attach the eyes centered on the hook, bending them slightly upward and forward.

  • Color the eye wires with a black permanent waterproof marker to prepare for wing attachment.

Step 6: Attach Coq de Leon Wings

  • Fold and place the Coq de Leon wings so they extend just past the hook bend at a slight angle.

  • Secure with loose wraps, trim excess without pulling fibers, and keep the feather tips for antennas.

Step 7: Reverse Thread Wrapping Technique

  • Wrap the thread in reverse around the eyes to evenly lift wing fibers on both sides, then return to original thread direction.

  • Secure the wings and feathers accordingly.

Step 8: Attach Antennas

  • Strip fibers from the saved top feather tips, align and place them on top of the fly.

  • Paint thread wraps with brown permanent marker for a natural look.

Step 9: Strengthen the Fly

  • Apply a drop of super glue on the thread wraps to increase durability.

Step 10: Prepare for Deer Hair Collar

  • Wax the thread and split it to insert deer hair.

  • Use good-quality deer hair, align root ends close to thread, and wrap gently at first.

  • Secure with a clamp or tool to prevent unraveling.

Step 11: Add Final CDC Feather and Form Dubbing Loop

  • Insert a final CDC feather using a dubbing loop.

  • Spin the loop to blend CDC and deer hair fibers, wrap around hook shank while stroking fibers back.

Step 12: Finish the Fly

  • Tie off with half hitches.

  • Optionally, add UV resin or varnish to secure the knots.

  • Trim thread and dubbing loop ends.

  • Gently brush and trim fibers for a flat underside and bushy top.

  • Pull fibers as desired for fullness.

Trent Jones
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