CDC

How it's tied

The CDC, or Cul de Canard, fly is tied on a standard dry fly hook. Its body is typically formed using dubbing, thread, or floss in various colors, depending on the targeted insect, wrapped around the hook shank to achieve a slender shape. The tail is crafted from a few strands of hackle fibers, microfibbets, or CDC fibers, providing a natural appearance and movement.

The key feature of the CDC fly is the use of CDC (Cul de Canard) feathers, which are sourced from the preen glands of ducks and known for their natural buoyancy and lifelike movement in the water. These feathers can be used to form wings, hackle, or both, depending on the specific pattern and desired presentation.

CDC feathers can be tied in a variety of ways, such as using a split-thread technique, a dubbing loop, or simply tying them directly onto the hook. The fibers should be sparse, allowing the natural properties of the CDC to provide flotation and movement on the water's surface.

What it mimics

The CDC fly is designed to imitate various aquatic insects, such as mayflies, caddisflies, or midges. Given it uses generic colors, and has a quite generic shape and wing, it can be broadly used and is not designed to be mimicking one specific 

Where it's used

The CDC fly can be used on all freshwater types. As always: have a look around, observe, see what's on or below the water. Chances are that your CDC fly can mimic what's out there, and you'll discover soon enough whether the fish are attracted to this pattern on this water and at the time you're fishing.