CDC BWO
Submitted by Elaine Cook

CDC is the butt feather of a duck which has some interesting properties. It floats without using gel floatant. In fact, that type of floatant actually mats down the fine projections on the barbs so that the fly won't float. Instead, dress with a dry powdered floatant like Frog Fanny. When it becomes water logged, squeeze dry on clothing or a chamois, then brush more Frog Fanny into the fibers. Don't be concerned with the white fluffy appearance. That doesn't seem to deter the fish. The BWO stands for "Blue Wing Olive" which is the common name of a May Fly.

Hook:1X short dry fly hook like TMC 900,
5210,or 921 sizes 16 - 22
Thread:Olive, reddish brown, olive brown,
olive yellow, 8/0 or 12/0
Tail:CDC feather, dark or medium dun
Body:Tying thread
Wings:CDC, dark or medium dun

1. Crimp barb.
2. Attach thread behind eye, then touching thread wraps to hook point.
3. Cut butt end of CDC feather off up to the first barbs.
4. Tail: Position feather above hook, tip forward, butt to the rear. Stroke 8-10 barbs against the grain at the butt end of the feather. Stroke all other barbs forward toward tip of fly. Tie stem to top of shank where barbs have been separated with 2 wraps. Pull stem forward freeing it from thread wraps. Wrap barbs to hook back to rear of shank. Cut stem from tied down barbs.( Save remaining feather for other flies) Cut tail to length of body. Advance thread to one eye length behind eye.
5. Wing: For size 16 hooks, stack 3 feathers on top of one another with tips lined up ( one or 2 for smaller hooks). Position feathers above hook, tips forward. Stroke barbs forward on front 1/2 inch of stem. All others backward. Tie stem to shank with 2 thread wraps where barbs have been separated. Slowly pull stem backward till wing extends one body length beyond eye. Make 2 more thread wraps, cut excess CDC.
6. Place 1, 2, or 3 feathers on top of one another with tips lined up. Holding stem, tips forward, stroke barbs forward along 1/2 inch of stem, the remainder to rear. Make 2 thread wraps. Slowly pull stem backward 'til wing extends one body length beyond eye. Make 2 more wraps. Cut excess.
7. With thread wraps form a tapered body.
8. Lift wing upright. Make 2 snug wraps infront to hold upright.
9. Whip finish. Cut thread.
10. If wing needs trimming, hold upright, cut straight across.

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