Nymphs
CDC Pheasant Tail
A refined variation of the Pheasant Tail Nymph that replaces the wing case with a CDC feather puff for enhanced movement and a more natural profile in the drift. The CDC fibers trap micro air bubbles that mimic the silvery sheen of a mayfly nymph preparing to emerge, making it lethal during BWO and PMD hatches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size CDC Pheasant Tail should I use?
The CDC Pheasant Tail is most commonly tied in sizes #16–#20. Choose smaller sizes for clear water and pressured fish, and larger sizes for faster or off-color water.
What does a CDC Pheasant Tail imitate?
The CDC Pheasant Tail primarily imitates baetis nymphs, PMD nymphs, emerging mayflies.
Pattern Details
- Category
- Nymphs
- Sizes
- #16–#20
- Colors
- natural, olive
- Weight
- tungsten, unweighted
- Hook Styles
- standard nymph, jig hook
- Imitates
- baetis nymphs, PMD nymphs, emerging mayflies
- Water Types
- spring creeks, tailwaters, slow pools
Buy This Fly
Buy at Fly Fish Food—
catches logged by anglers
Target Species
rainbow troutbrown troutcutthroat trout
Effective on These Rivers
Pattern Details
- Category
- Nymphs
- Sizes
- #16–#20
- Colors
- natural, olive
- Weight
- tungsten, unweighted
- Hook Styles
- standard nymph, jig hook
- Imitates
- baetis nymphs, PMD nymphs, emerging mayflies
- Water Types
- spring creeks, tailwaters, slow pools
Buy This Fly
Buy at Fly Fish Food—
catches logged by anglers
Target Species
rainbow troutbrown troutcutthroat trout