Elk Hair Caddis - Black

The Classic Caddis Dry Fly — In a High-Visibility Black

The Elk Hair Caddis in Black is one of the most iconic and time-tested dry fly patterns in fly fishing. Developed by Al Troth in the 1950s, the Elk Hair Caddis has proven itself on trout streams around the world — and it remains a staple on Colorado's rivers for good reason. The black colorway offers excellent visibility in low-light conditions, on shaded canyon water, and during evening caddis hatches when trout are actively feeding on the surface.

The elk hair wing creates a realistic tent-wing silhouette that trout recognize as a caddisfly, while the palmered hackle keeps the fly riding high and dry through riffles and pocket water. Fish it on the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, or Colorado River any time caddis are present — which on these rivers is most of the season.

Pattern Details

• Style: Elk hair caddis dry fly
• Color: Black
• Sizes available: #16, #18
• Wing: Natural elk hair — tent-wing caddis profile
• Hackle: Palmered — high-floating, durable
• Effective on the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, Colorado River, and most Colorado freestone and tailwater streams
• Peak season: late spring through fall; excellent during evening caddis hatches

How to Fish It

Dead-drift on a drag-free presentation during hatches. When fish are rising but refusing, try a subtle twitch or skitter at the end of the drift to imitate an egg-laying caddis. The #16 covers most standard caddis hatches; drop to the #18 on low, clear water when trout are selective. Works well as the dry in a dry-dropper rig with a BH Caddis Larva or soft hackle trailing below.

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