Description: Norm's Gray CDC Callibaetis is part of Norm's 4 Amigos set. I designed this fly as a dual purpose pattern; Dun and Spinner. As a Dun, when you first start to fish it, no floatant is required, but after several casts, you might want to use a bit of dry fly spray floatant (Loon Ourtdoors makes and excellent one - Fly Spritz). Just a light spray brings the CDC back up and looks new again. As a Spinner, I wet the CDC with some dry fly spary floatant; again, Fly Spritz is my choice, I then twist the CDC into two horizontal wings to imitate a Spinner. This is one of my most productive Spinners. After the fly gets "hammered" by a couple of fish, I use a dry crystal shake to dry out the fly and then I'm back to catching fish! To order Norm's 4 Amigos set or any other Amigo in the set, just click on "Other products by Norm" at the top of this page.
This is one of those "must have" flies and in a variety of sizes in your fly box.
What it imitates: Dun and/or Spinner depending on how you prepare the fly
When to fish it: Spring to early Fall. The beauty about the Callibaetis is on our Western Stillwaters, the season lasts from spring to early fall. Don't just look for a heavy hatch to start fishing this fly. I've had some of my most produtive days when the hatch was light or sporadic.
Where to fish it: Lakes, Tailwaters, Sring Creeks
How to fish it: Dry line, long leader, at least 12ft, and about 18 - 24 inches of tippet. I generally start fishing the Gray Callibaetis when the fish quit feeding on emergers or are sporadic. It's not always easy to predict when they are done taking emergers so I generally have two rods rigged up; one for emergers, one for dries.
Approximate turnaround time to complete this order: 7 days
MINIMUM ORDER FOR THIS FLY IS 1 UNIT - 1 UNIT CONSISTS OF 1/2 DOZEN FLIES