CDC Sleepy John Estes

Created by Jeff Morgan

HOOK: Dai Riki 300, sizes 12-16 THREAD: Black BODY: Black sparkle dubbing over black foam RIBBING: Fine silver wire LEGS: Black CDC loosely dubbed WINGS: Gray CDC

Uses

Imitates a black fly adult drifting on the surface. For background, see the articles Black Flies: Part I and Black Flies: Part II--The Patterns. For a version of a rising black fly adult (they emerge underwater) see the Rising Black Fly pattern.

 
Originator Jeff Morgan says of this fly: "This pattern is growing into one of my favorite searching patterns. It is surprisingly visible thanks to the gray on black wing look. It also is an excellent floater in slow or fast water. It would logically be a good pattern for wary fish on spring creeks: it is buggy yet imitates a common food yet isn't imitated by everyone and their cousin Ernie."

How to Fish

Use standard dry fly presentations. Because the fly relies on CDC for floatation, do not use floatant. If the fly is sinking, dry it with a dessicant such as Dry Shake, Dry-Ur-Fly, etc.

 
Riffly areas where the water starts to slow are good spots to cast this fly. Baank water is another good place.