By now, we’re all pretty familiar with the use of cul-de-canard (CDC) on dry flies and emerger patterns. This magical, nondescript feather is found near the preening gland of a duck, and has become a common, practical feature of many modern patterns.
What are CDC feathers used for?
CDC feathers can be used with a variety of fish flying patterns The most common patterns are when using
caddis wings
, parachute flies, and looping for
emerge wings
. CDC feathers are also of great value when used for both wet and dry fly patterns.
Where do CDC feathers come from?
Cul De Canard (or CDC) is one of the best feathers on a duck for fly tiers. It is found near the duck’s preen (urogypial) gland , which releases oils that a duck uses to help waterproof his feathers.
Are CDC flies better?
the CDC is special due to the structure and density of the barbs. So long feathers suits for making bodies or wings for big flies or for making CDC hackle. Short and medium feathers are better winging dry flies As you can see in the photo up, from left to right there are CDC feathers from farmed raised ducks.
What is CDC fishing flies?
Cul de canard (CDC) (French for “duck bottom”) are the feathers from the back of a duck directly around the preen gland (uropygial gland ); they are very buoyant due to preen oil produced by the preen gland. They are used when tying dry flies for fly fishing.
What is a Comparadun fly?
Comparaduns are one of the most
versatile mayfly patterns
in existence representing a low-riding mayfly to near perfection They are commonly used during a PMD (pale morning dun) hatch. However, many folks deny themselves of tying this simple pattern due to the perceived complexity of tying the deer hair wings.
What are emerger flies?
A Brief Definition of Emergers Emergers are used in fly fishing to imitate certain emerging insects such as Midges, Mayfly and Caddis that are hatching out of the water Aquatic insect larvae that are hatching swim to the surface to move into the adult stage of there lives.
What is mallard flank used for in fly tying?
Mallard flank feathers have a million and one uses for the fly tyer. Use them to create gills, tails, and wings on nymphs and dry flies, or create mottled heads and bodies on your streamer patterns.
Are duck feathers good for fly tying?
Duck Quills/Primary Wing Feathers/Duck Slips They are most often used for winged wet flies, dry fly wings, and no hackle dry flies They are commonly sold as ‘matched pairs’ (one from each wing of the bird) which helps you to match up ‘slips’ of quills to create wings.
How do you use CDC oil?
To use, simply add a drop straight onto your fly or you can add a drop onto your index finger. Then rub with your thumb and gently stroke the fly through your fingers to add the oil This oil is designed for use specifically on CDC flies and is the best one to use.
What are Coq de
leon feathers
?
Coq De Leon feathers are spade hackles and from the shoulder of the bird Generally, the bird is mature and feathers are hand plucked, sorted and graded. Originally the feathers were never sold as a pelt because it was felt that as the bird aged, the fibers became stiffer and more brillant in color.
What are CDC Oiler Puffs used for?
These small tufts make realistic wings on smaller flies , size 14-26. They also are advantageous for emerging midge patterns when you want that vulnerable suspension effect in the surface film. Also known as Oiler Puffs.
What color is Coq de Leon?
Coq de Leon color varies from dark pardo, to cream, to a silver badger These large, long beautiful feathers are ideal for streamer patterns.
Where is the preen gland on a duck?
The preen gland (PG) is a holocrine gland located at the base of the tail that produces preen oil that is distributed through the feathers by the duck’s bill (Moreno-Rueda, 2017).
How do you tie a cottonwood seed fly?
- Tie in thread at the midpoint of the hook shank.
- Tie in a small short bundle of white foam, pinching the foam in the middle with the thread
- Prepare a thick but very short bundle of white marabou.
How do you skin a duck for fly tying?
Start on the edges and gently push and cut the fat, meat, and tissue off the inside of the skin I prefer using a curved beard trimmer but it is possible to do the job with a razor or sharp knife. On a fat mallard this job will take some time to complete, but the process is much quicker on a bird like a grouse.
How do you harvest feathers?
To obtain feathers and down at the time of slaughter, the normal process is to first scald the geese in hot water (60-68°C) for 1-3 minutes. The coarse feathers of the wing and tail are then removed by hand with the remainder of the feathers and down removed either by a plucking machine or by hand.
How do you preserve duck feathers?
Place feathers in a
large paper envelope
or paper bag, and sprinkle enough Boric Acid inside the envelope or bag to surround all the feathers when laid flat. Hold the envelope or bag and shake for 30 seconds. Lay envelope or bag horizontally on a shelf for three days.
Do you put Floatant on an emerger?
An emerger can be fished on the surface of the river just like a normal dry fly and often this is all it takes to effectively target trout feeding during a hatch. When I am fishing an emerger on top, I like to use floatant to keep it from sinking Often I fish it as a dropper behind a dry. 2.
How do you tell if a fly is an emerger?
For the more flush-floating emergers, a tiny spot of Strike Putty two feet above your fly will help you track its progress Even if your fly is three inches below the surface, you’ll see an indication of a strike. It could be a swirl, but more often it will look like any other rise.
What does a cripple fly imitate?
The Cripple imitates the nymphs emerging , having trouble to get rid of shuck, remain trapped in the surface film of the water and are transported for long distances by the current. The fish take advantage of their state of difficulty and get it knowing to do not fail.
Sources
https://globalflyfisher.com/tie-better/tying-with-cdc
CDC
https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/cdc-for-nymphs/152865