Bodkin / Patterns

CDC France Fly

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook barbless jig hook (e.g. Lightning Strike JF2), 14-18
  • Thread Black (or color to match) 6/0 (70 denier)

Materials

  • Bead Slotted tungsten, black nickel, 3/32in (1)
  • Tail Coq de Leon fibers, medium pardo (6-8 fibers)
  • Abdomen Micro black stretch tubing (or thread) (1)
  • Thorax Dark hare's-mask dubbing (1 pinch)
  • Collar CDC fibers, natural or dun (1 clump)
  • Coating UV resin or hard head cement (as needed)

How to tie it

  1. Slide the slotted tungsten bead onto the jig hook and start the thread behind it.
  2. Tie in a sparse Coq de Leon tail about one shank length at the bend.
  3. Wrap micro stretch tubing forward for a smooth, thin, fast-sinking abdomen up to the thorax. Why: the thin coated body is the France Fly's whole point, sinking faster than a bushy nymph.
  4. Clip a CDC feather in a clip and cut a short (about 1/4in) clump free of the stem; spin or tie it in as a sparse breathing collar at the thorax.
  5. Dub a small dark hare's-mask thorax over the collar base, whip finish behind the bead, and coat the abdomen with thin UV resin or head cement.
  6. Optionally add a hot-spot thread collar before the bead.

Tying videos

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