Fly tying

How to tie the Pearly CDC Bloa

A modern take on a North Country classic tied in six steps

Would you like to appear on our site? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our readers. Find out more.

Trout and grayling find this flashy and highly mobile Spider irresistible.

Material list for the Pearly CDC Bloa

Hook: Size 14-18 Partridge Spider Thread: Pearsall’s gossamer silk No.5, yellow Butt: Pearly tinsel Body: Natural mole Hackle: Natural mallard CDC

Step 1. Fix the hook in the vice and apply a few turns of well-waxed thread. Catch in a small CDC plume by its tip.

Step 2. Wind the thread two-thirds down the hook shank in touching turns. Catch in the pearl tinsel.

Step 3. Wind the pearly tinsel down to the hook bend, then back over itself.

Step 4. Secure the loose end of the tinsel and remove the waste. Apply a tiny pinch of mole fur evenly along the waxed thread.

Step 5. Wind the dubbed mole fur up to the hackle. The fur should be applied so lightly that the yellow thread is visible.

Step 6. With the thread at the eye, wind on two turns of the CDC feather. Stroke back the fibres at each turn. Secure the CDC stem and trim off waste. Cast off with a whip finish.