Question on CDC

[1hook]

Just tied my first CDC pattern last night, it was a CDC and elk. My question for CDC is should I be trimming some of the longer fibers that stick out When the fly is finished. I see Internet pictures and people leave them on. I think it makes it look buggier... But it's been proven time and time again that I certainly do not think like a fish yet! What is the preference generally on CDC patterns?

 

[JackM]

Randomness is good. CDC feathers have a couple or three different shapes. Long stem with perpendicular "hackles" as well as "puffs" as I recall. In either case (they both tie effective patterns) I don't worry about stray fibers. If every floating mayfly looked like the perfect Orvis pattern example, we would have to revise our whole theories on variation of individuals and appearances.

 

[SBecker]

I leave them long. Gives the fly some movement.

 

[dubthethorax]

Rule of thumb is always leave stuff longer. You can trim it down on stream if needed, but you cant make it grow.