A very attractive grayling and trout soft hackle spider. Although very simple this deadly pattern is a true classic. The slight body and extremely mobile CDC hackle make this spider an irresistible river fly.

• Hook: Partridge Spider # 14
• Thread: Sheer 14/0 Grey
• Tag: UTC small pearl tinsel
• Body: Mole skin fur
• Hackle: Natural CDC hackle

Why the Pearly CDC Bloa?

This fly combines a few subtle elements that make it a winner. The small pearl tinsel butt acts as a little trigger point, a glint of attraction that can catch a fish’s eye. The body, which I tie with moleskin in this instance, provides a wonderfully natural, buggy silhouette. And of course, the CDC (Cul de Canard) hackle is the star, breathing life into the fly with its incredibly mobile fibres the moment it hits the water. It’s a brilliant imitation of an emerging insect or a drowned terrestrial.

The Materials I’m Using:

• Hook: For this pattern, I’ve selected a Partridge Spider #12. It’s a straight-eye hook with a lovely wide gape, which I find perfect for these spider-style flies.
• Thread: I’m using Sheer 14/0 in Grey. A fine thread like this allows for a neat build-up without unnecessary bulk.
• Rib/Butt: UTC Pearl Tinsel (Small), in this case, an Ice Blue Pearl. You don’t need much, just for that little hotspot.
• Body: This is where it gets a bit interesting – Moleskin. It’s a traditional material, not used as often these days, but it dubs beautifully when used sparsely and gives a fantastic, natural look.
• Hackle: A good quality Natural CDC Feather.

Let’s Get Tying – The Key Steps:

1. Setting Up: Secure your hook in the vise. Start your thread just behind the eye and lay down a neat base, working back to just opposite the hook point.
2. The Pearl Butt: Tie in your pearl tinsel here. We’re only looking for a small, neat butt, so a few wraps forward is all it takes. Secure and trim. Then, bring your thread forward, leaving a good portion of the shank for the body and hackle.
3. The Moleskin Body – Split Thread Magic: Now for the moleskin. I flatten my thread, apply a little wax, and then, using my dubbing needle, I carefully split the thread strands. Take a very, very sparse pinch of moleskin fur – and I can’t stress “sparse” enough – and insert it between the split threads. Allow the bobbin to spin, which traps the fur, creating a lovely, thin dubbing noodle. Wind this forward to form a slim, slightly tapered body. This technique gives a wonderfully segmented and buggy look without bulk.
4. Prepping and Tying in the CDC: Select a nice CDC feather. Stroke the fibres back from the tip and trim the very end to create a clean tie-in point. Tie this in just behind the hook eye, ensuring the natural curve of the feather will allow the barbs to sweep backwards.
5. Winding the CDC Hackle: Using your hackle pliers, take a couple of turns with the CDC feather. With each turn, gently stroke the fibres back. We’re aiming for a sparse, mobile hackle – usually two, perhaps three turns at most, is plenty.
6. Finishing Off: Secure the CDC stem with a few wraps of thread, trim the excess, and build a neat little head. A whip finish, and there you have it.

A Few Thoughts From Me:

• Sparsity is Your Friend: With patterns like this, especially when using materials like moleskin and CDC, less is often more. You want to suggest life and movement, not create a bulky imitation.
• Moleskin: Don’t be afraid to try this material. It’s wonderfully soft, and the split-thread technique really brings out its best qualities for a buggy body.
• CDC Handling: Be gentle with CDC. Its beauty lies in its delicate fibres. Stroking them back as you wind ensures they splay out correctly and don’t get trapped.

The Pearly CDC Bloa is a fly that has served me well over the years. It’s a joy to tie and even more of a joy to fish. I encourage you to watch the video to see these steps in action and to pick up on the little nuances that can help you perfect your own.

Give it a go, and let me know how you get on in the comments on the video or here on the site.

Happy tying, and tight lines to you all!