CDC Emerger

Materials

How to Tie the CDC Emerger

1. 1

   Step 1

   Place the hook in the vise and attach thread behind the eye, wrapping back to the bend.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Optionally tie in a few fibers of wood duck or mallard flank at the bend as a tail, about hook-shank length.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Optionally tie in fine wire at the tail for ribbing.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Dub the thread with hare's ear or olive dubbing and wrap a slender, slightly tapered body up to about two-thirds of the shank.

5. 5

   Step 5

   If ribbing, spiral wrap the wire forward for segmentation, secure and trim.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Select 1-2 CDC feathers, align the tips, and tie in on top of the hook so they extend over the bend to about two-thirds of the body length. The wing should stand upright or sweep slightly back.

   Use the highest quality CDC for best buoyancy. Keep the fly sparse for soft or slow-moving water.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Dub a small amount of hare's ear or olive dubbing around the base of the CDC wing for a slightly bulkier thorax.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Optionally add 1-2 turns of grizzly or brown hackle behind the eye.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Whip finish behind the hook eye and optionally apply a small drop of head cement.