Wapsi Cul De Canard (C.D.C)

C.D.C. is an abbreviation of the French term “Cul De Canard” which roughly translated means “from the rump” or “butt of the duck”.  As the description implies these are the feathers that surround the preen gland on the back of the bird slightly ahead of the tail.  Ducks use secretions from this gland to condition and waterproof their feathers.  As a result the feathers surrounding the preen gland are of great value to fly tyers wanting to add buoyancy to their flies.

Generally speaking, there are two different types of C.D.C. feathers. The first is the “plume” or what is sometimes referred to as an “oiler puff”. These small feathers are ideal for use in midge patterns, small dry flies, spinners, and emergers.

The larger feathers surrounding the preen gland vary in size and density and are often graded accordingly. C.D.C. Super Select is the highest quality, most dense feather and is the ideal choice when you need maximum buoyancy. C.D.C. feathers packed in bulk are great for all-around use and can be used as wing material, collars on soft hackle flies, or even as dubbing.

C.D.C. is such a popular material that we offer it in 27 colors! Although the flies above are primarily floating flies C.D.C. works great on sinking flies too. Don’t limit its uses based solely on its flotation properties. Check out the micro woolly bugger shown below tied with a C.D.C. plume tail.

If C.D.C. isn’t a fly tying staple at your fly tying desk you are missing out on one of the truly great materials for fly tying. Give it a try – it might just help you come up with a new “secret” fly pattern.