CDC Adams Dry Fly

The CDC Adams is a classic Adams fly pattern tied using a duck feather called a “Cul de canard”—aka CDC. The CDC Adams is used primarily for dry fly fishing and is designed to imitate a variety of mayfly species.

CDC adams dry fly

CDC feathers used to make the CDC Adams come from the rear of the duck near the preen gland. They are extremely fluffy and come in various colors including black, brown, olive, green, and yellow.

CDC feathers are coated with an oil produced by the preen gland. This oil, combined with the unique structure of duck feathers, makes CDC feathers naturally water resistant and buoyant. Dry flies, such as the CDC Adams, that incorporate CDC feathers, float more easily and for a long time.

When dry fly fishing with a CDC Adams, or any other CDC dry fly, we recommend that you avoid applying a floatant to the CDC feathers. Our experience is that most floatants, when applied to a CDC feather, actually decrease buoyancy. You can apply a floatant to the other feather, but not to CDC feathers.