Black Beetle CDC

The Black Beetle CDC is one of the most underrated terrestrial patterns in the fly box. Beetles are one of the most abundant and consistent food sources for trout throughout the summer and fall — they fall into rivers constantly from streamside vegetation, and trout eat them opportunistically all day long, even when no hatch is happening. This pattern nails that profile perfectly.

Its compact black dubbed body, CDC wing/shellback, and low-riding silhouette sit flush in the surface film just like a real beetle, creating a realistic impression that selective trout on the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan River, and Colorado River find hard to pass up. Fish it dead-drift along grassy banks, under overhanging willows, and through slow flat water where trout are sipping subsurface. It's also a deadly pattern during the midday lull when nothing obvious is hatching — just tie one on and work the banks. Pairs well as the dry in a dry-dropper rig with a small nymph or midge below.

Pattern Details:

• Style: CDC beetle terrestrial dry fly
• Body: Black dubbing
• Wing / shellback: CDC feather
• Head: Bead
• Hook: Standard dry fly hook
• Best fished: Dead-drift along grassy banks, under willows, and in flat water during midday terrestrial activity

Available in store at Glenwood Springs Outdoors, 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO.