Great video Gareth. I've been fishing the CDC & Elk for the last 35 years plus with great success, it's one of my top dry patterns. Hans Weilenmann tied me one of his CDC & Elk patterns all those years ago in Wiltshire, a few yards from the banks of the River Avon in the Woodford Valley - I still have that very fly for reference. I have also had great success in using an Olive version of the CDC & Elk - like yourself, not sure colour makes a difference bit it is nice to have another option ... works well fished 'duo' too.
Wow! Thats an amazing story! I always tell people to get my flies in the water, but I’d have absolutely kept Hans’ too for sure! Thanks for the kinds words too Drew!
Simple but very effective looking patterns Gareth…I’m finding I’m tying and using much simpler, slimmer patterns these days, both dries and nymphs mainly GISS style…less choice in the fly box seems to provide a lot more confidence on the water …thanks a lot for sharing your thinking and skills …much appreciated …love your new channel format…very enjoyable
Yes, we're definitely in the same camp! Simple generally means more time on the water, and I totally agree with your commment regarding less choice/more confidence. Thanks so much for the kind words!
Another really great video Gareth. Definitely be adding some of both those patterns to my box. Couldn’t, help noticing what I took to be “Phil White style” mayfly (emerger) in the intro. Are you looking to post any videos for that and/ or similar patterns in future? Looking forward to the next one whatever it is. Cheers Phil
@@PhilWilkins-lm2jv Great spot Phil! It is indeed a variation of Mr White’s awesome Active Mayfly Dun. Phil’s awesome pattern has been adopted as the go-to Danica imitation by a group of anglers in the River Monnow catchment. That variation is slightly ‘show’ orientated, with a little extra robustness thrown in, but both patterns are actually on my list for a future video 🙂 Thanks also for the kind words and glad you enjoyed 🙌🏻
Great looking fly M8!! I was wondering if a XXX-fine rib ( either wire or tying thread would make the body last longer? Or has that not been a problem after a few fish?
Great idea, and it’d definitely add more durability. As they’re so quick and easy to tie, I usually just pop any trout-wrecked flies back in my box and take a lighter to them back at the vice and then re-tie. Love the idea!
That's a great question. The CdC feathers in question are based around preening gland which the ducks use to preen and waterproof themselves, so they're by their very nature buoyant and waterproof straight from the bag. That said, that's only when undyed as the dyeing process strips the natural oils away. Give the other feathers you mention a go, and I'd love to hear the difference (if any) in buoyancy, etc.
