F Fly
F Fly is an ultra-simple CDC caddis-style dry that sits low and fishes far better than its sparse build suggests. It supports F Fly, CDC caddis, and minimalist trout dry fly searches.
Imitates: Adult caddis and small floating insects
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #14-20
- Best Season
- Spring through fall
- Best Conditions
- Caddis activity, smooth water, and picky trout rejecting bushier patterns
- Water Temp
- 48-68°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 5X-6X
How to Rig It
Fish alone on long leaders or as the top fly above a small caddis pupa.
How to Present It
Dead-drift in the film and keep false casting minimal to preserve the CDC.
Why It Works
The CDC wing traps air and creates a soft natural footprint trout trust in clear water.
History
The F Fly gained worldwide popularity because it proves simple low-riding CDC flies can be deadly on selective trout.
Pro Tip
Carry several fresh ones because once CDC gets overloaded with slime, performance falls off quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an F Fly imitate?+
Most often it imitates adult caddis, though trout may also read it as a small general dry.
Not sure if F Fly is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
Open Fly Advisor
Map
Fly Guide