The third instalment in our CDC Fly Fest brings us to a true springtime essential: Lucian Vasies’ Deadly Grannom Caddis. When trout are dialled in on caddis, this pattern delivers with a perfect mix of buoyancy, movement, and natural profile.
Why It Belongs in Your Box
Designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind, the Deadly Grannom Caddis performs beautifully both as a floating dry fly and—once it’s dampened—as a highly effective wet fly. This versatility makes it a go-to when trout are uncertain about whether to take on the surface or just beneath it.
It’s especially deadly when paired with the Leisenring Lift technique, imitating a struggling or emerging adult caddis as it drifts upward.
Lucian’s Simple, Effective Recipe
Lucian’s tying philosophy is all about economy of materials without sacrificing realism. On a size #14 hook, the recipe is clean and straightforward:
- Body: Mojo Yarn – simple to use, and when waxed, it boosts floatability
- Thorax & Legs: Hare guard fur – creates buggy movement and natural taper
- Wing: CDC feathers – only two, for a soft-wing profile without overdressing
This restraint gives the fly a slim, lifelike silhouette that sits naturally on or just under the surface.
On the Water
Though tied as a dry fly, the Deadly Grannom Caddis often shines after it’s taken on a bit of water. Fished wet, it pulses and swims with uncanny realism. The CDC wing and hare guard legs help create the illusion of movement that turns curious trout into committed takers.
During a heavy Grannom hatch, when other patterns might be refused, this fly has the subtlety and natural behaviour to consistently tempt fish.
Fed’s Variant
One of the strengths of this fly is its adaptability. For example, Fed’s variant replaces the Mojo Yarn with rust wool yarn for the body and adds a touch of green wool yarn for the egg case. This simple change adds another layer of realism and makes the fly particularly effective when trout are zeroing in on egg-laying adults.
A CDC Classic for Spring
The Deadly Grannom Caddis shows how less can be more. With just a few well-chosen materials and smart tying choices, Lucian Vasies has created a CDC pattern that’s both versatile and deadly. If you’re building your CDC arsenal this season, this is one you won’t want to leave behind.
Materials
Original
- Hook:Size #14-16
- Threads:Mojo Yarn for body and tying thread is Sumo 30 DEN
- Thorax and legs:Troutline Hare Guard Fur
- Wing and legs:CDC natural grey.
Fed’s Alternative
- Hook:Dry fly size14-16
- Thread:Sheer 14/0 grey.
- Egg Case:Green wool yarn.
- Body:Rust wool yarn
- Thorax and legs:Hare’s ear dubbing bulky.
- Wing and legs:Two CDC natural grey feathers.
Tying Instructions
- Cover the hook shank with thread.
- Tie in the green wool at the rear to form a small egg case.
- Tie in the rust wool and wrap forward to create a slender, tapered body.
- Dub a loose, slightly bulky thorax with hare’s ear fur.
- Tie in a CDC feather just ahead of the egg case.
- Trim the stem, then sweep the remaining barbs back over the fly to form a soft hackle-style wing.
- Whip finish and cut the thread.
