Fly of the Week #8- X- Caddis

Olive X-Caddis- Sz 14-16

If I didn't like tying so much, and was forced, by fillet knife point, to choose just one fly to fish this summer or at least, the caddis hatches around Central WA, I would not hesitate grabbing a handful of X-Caddis.  The X-Caddis is the creation of  Craig Mathews and ranks among the best in emerger representations ever created- for caddis.  Its popularity was gained because it fools the wary trout of the greater Yellowstone area to the pressured fish of the Yakima River, and beyond.   If a fly becomes famous, it usually stems from it's universal appeal to fishing people, ease of tie, and  trout susceptibility. 

The X-Caddis in olive, dark olive, brown and black all work well in the Yakima and its tributaries. Olive or dark olive seem to be the best universal color, especially during the low light feeding frenzy that sometimes happens in the caddis heavy stretches of the river.  Just bring a flashlight if you fish until after dark, I would rather see a rattlesnake then feel one!   I dip just the deer hair wing into something like Fly Agra and then false cast it dry.  The combo of deer hair and Fly Agra make for a great floating dryfly.  It works well in the soft water of the lower canyon, as well as the rough water around Cle Elum or the various tribs.  This is one of those flies that we are always restocking, and that alone should attest to its effectiveness, if you've never fished these great flies, give them a try and see what happens. 

X-Caddis Recipe

Hook: Dai-Riki #320 or #305, sizes 12- 20 

Thread: Veevus  8/0 color to match body 

Tail: Zelon or substitute, amber gold or caddis gold- crinkled 

Body: Dubbed beaver or Antron: tan, brown, olive or black- basically match the naturals 

Wing: Deer or elk hair- I like Nature's Spirit x-caddis deer hair!