Upwing CdC Fly

Description

Historical Significance and Pattern Evolution The Upwing CDC Fly represents a modern evolution in dry fly design, particularly celebrated for its effectiveness during early and late-season hatches. Originally developed as a generic imitation of March Browns and Upwinged Olives, this pattern has become a cornerstone of the new generation of CDC (Cul de Canard) flies. Jeremy Lucas’s contribution to the pattern’s development has made it one of the most reliable olive dun imitations, known for its perfect profile and high success rate with selective fish.

Premium Materials and Construction Details Essential Materials List:

• Hook: Light-wire dry fly hook (sizes 17-21)
• Thread: Olive or cream 8/0
• Body: Fine dubbing in olive or natural tones
• Wing: High-quality CDC feathers
• Thorax: Darker dubbing
• Tail: Microfibbets or CDC fibers
• Optional: Fine wire ribbing
• Head: Thread with clear finish
• Post: CDC or synthetic (for parachute version)
• Hackle: CDC feathers

Material Selection Considerations:

• Hook size matches natural insects
• Thread color complements pattern
• Body dubbing creates proper profile
• CDC quality crucial for flotation
• Thorax dubbing adds bulk
• Tail materials affect balance
• Rib material adds segmentation
• Head finish protects materials
• Post visibility in various lights
• CDC selection critical for performance

Detailed Tying Instructions Preparation Steps:

1. Select appropriate hook size
2. Choose quality CDC feathers
3. Prepare dubbing
4. Select tail materials
5. Organize workspace
6. Check tools
7. Plan proportions
8. Review pattern
9. Test thread strength
10. Prepare materials

Step-by-Step Tying Sequence:

1. Start thread behind eye
2. Create uniform thread base
3. Tie in tail fibers
4. Form tapered body
5. Add ribbing if desired
6. Build thorax
7. Mount CDC wings
8. Form neat head
9. Whip finish
10. Apply head cement
11. Check proportions
12. Test flotation

Advanced Fishing Techniques Presentation Methods:

• Dead drift presentation
• Slight twitches
• Downstream drift
• Upstream presentation
• Cross-current fishing
• Film fishing
• Current seam presentation
• Structure approaches
• Pattern combinations
• Selective fish tactics

Water Reading Skills:

• Identify feeding lanes
• Recognize current breaks
• Spot rising fish
• Detect surface activity
• Read water clarity
• Locate prime lies
• Find transition zones
• Identify temperature breaks
• Track fish movement
• Monitor insect activity

Seasonal Strategies Early Season (March/April):

• Match early hatches
• Focus on warming water
• Target active fish
• Adjust presentation
• Monitor temperatures
• Watch for rises
• Follow fish movement
• Time presentations
• Adapt to conditions
• Match natural drift

Summer Applications:

• Early morning fishing
• Late evening sessions
• Target shade lines
• Focus on riffles
• Match daily patterns
• Observe feeding windows
• Adjust to conditions
• Monitor water levels
• Watch temperatures
• Time presentations

Late Season (September/October):

• Match autumn hatches
• Target feeding fish
• Adjust presentation style
• Watch water conditions
• Monitor temperatures
• Follow movement patterns
• Adapt to weather
• Time efforts effectively
• Match natural drift
• Adjust techniques

Technical Rigging Considerations Leader Construction:

• Long, tapered leaders
• Quality tippet material
• Proper diameter selection
• Breaking strength considerations
• Length adjustments
• Material choices
• Knot selection
• Visibility factors
• Float characteristics
• Setup variations

Terminal Tackle:

• Direct connection methods
• Leader construction
• Line control
• Strike detection
• Float adjustment
• Pattern spacing
• Drift control
• Presentation angles
• Setup modifications
• Tippet selection

Habitat-Specific Tactics Water Types:

• Spring creeks
• Chalk streams
• Freestone rivers
• Small brooks
• Large rivers
• Mixed waters
• Clear streams
• Pocket water
• Riffles
• Pools

Specific Locations:

• Feeding lanes
• Current seams
• Structure edges
• Bank water
• Mid-stream
• Transitions
• Drop-offs
• Shallow flats
• Deep runs
• Protected areas

Advanced Presentation Methods Traditional Techniques:

• Upstream dry fly
• Downstream presentation
• Cross-current drift
• Reach cast
• Pile cast
• Parachute cast
• Aerial mend
• Stack mend
• Curve cast
• Wiggle cast

Modern Adaptations:

• Multiple fly rigs
• Indicator techniques
• Film fishing methods
• Edge water tactics
• Structure approaches
• Pattern combinations
• Presentation modifications
• Depth control
• Speed variations
• Drift management

Pattern Variations Size Considerations:

• Match natural insects
• Consider water type
• Adapt to pressure
• Account for clarity
• Follow seasonal trends
• Consider fish size
• Match preferences
• Adapt to conditions
• Consider speed
• Match forage base

Style Variations:

• Traditional upright wing
• Parachute style
• Emerger version
• No-hackle variant
• Thorax style
• Film variant
• Low-floating version
• High-floating version
• Spent pattern
• CDC cluster style

The Upwing CDC Fly represents the perfect fusion of traditional design and modern innovation. Its carefully selected materials and precise construction ensure consistent performance across various fishing conditions. Whether targeting selective trout during specific hatches or searching for opportunistic feeders, this pattern provides the perfect tool for successful dry fly fishing throughout the season.